Compositions comprising recombinant Bacillus cells and another biological control agent

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 national phase entry of PCT/US2015/050592, filed on Sep. 17, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/051,911, filed on Sep. 17, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY

The official copy of the sequence listing is submitted electronically via EFS-Web as an ASCII-formatted sequence listing with a file named “BCS149057WO_ST25.txt” created on Sep. 14, 2015, and having a size of 152 kilobytes, and is filed concurrently with the specification. The sequence listing contained in this ASCII-formatted document is part of the specification and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (x) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide; and (y) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and (ii) at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits the ability to improve plant growth and/or health and/or activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amounts. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Background of the Invention

In crop protection, there is a continuous need for applications that improve the health and/or the growth of plants. Healthier plants generally result in higher yields and/or better quality of a plant or its products.

In order to promote plant health, fertilizers are employed worldwide, based on both inorganic and organic substances. A fertilizer may be a single substance or a composition, and is used to provide nutrients to plants. A major breakthrough in the application of fertilizers was the development of nitrogen-based fertilizer by Justus von Liebig around 1840. Fertilizers, however, can lead to soil acidification and destabilization of nutrient balance in soil, including depletion of minerals and enrichment of salt and heavy metals. In addition, excessive fertilizer use can lead to alteration of soil fauna as well as contaminate surface water and ground water. Further, unhealthful substances such as nitrate may become enriched in plants and fruits.

In addition, insecticides and fungicide are employed worldwide to control pests. Synthetic insecticides or fungicides often are non-specific and therefore can act on organisms other than the target organisms, including other naturally occurring beneficial organisms. Because of their chemical nature, they may also be toxic and non-biodegradable. Consumers worldwide are increasingly conscious of the potential environmental and health problems associated with the residuals of chemicals, particularly in food products. This has resulted in growing consumer pressure to reduce the use or at least the quantity of chemical (i.e., synthetic) pesticides. Thus, there is a need to manage food chain requirements while still allowing effective pest control.

A further problem arising with the use of synthetic insecticides or fungicides is that the repeated and exclusive application of an insecticide or fungicides often leads to selection of resistant animal pests or microorganisms. Normally, such strains are also cross-resistant against other active ingredients having the same mode of action. An effective control of the pathogens with said active compounds is then not possible any longer. However, active ingredients having new mechanisms of action are difficult and expensive to develop.

The use of biological control agents (BCAs) is an alternative to fertilizers and synthetic pesticides. In some cases, the effectiveness of BCAs is not at the same level as for fertilizers or for conventional insecticides and fungicides, especially in case of severe infection pressure. Consequently, in some circumstances, biological control agents, their mutants and metabolites produced by them are, in particular in low application rates, not entirely satisfactory. Thus, there is a constant need for developing new, alternative plant health-enhancing and/or plant protection agents which in some areas at least help to fulfill the above-mentioned requirements.

SUMMARY

In view of this, it was in particular an object of the present invention to provide compositions which have an enhanced ability to improve plant growth and/or to enhance plant health or which exhibit enhanced activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

Accordingly, it was found that these objectives are achieved with the compositions according to the invention as defined in the following. By applying a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound; an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source; and a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen or a pest; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one particular strain disclosed herein other than said recombinant Bacillus cells according to the invention, the ability to enhance preferably in a superadditive manner (i) plant growth, plant yield and/or plant health and/or (ii) the activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

References herein to targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, exosporium protein fragments, fusion proteins, and recombinant exosporium producing Bacillus cells that express such fusion proteins should not be considered to be stand-alone embodiments. Instead, throughout the present application, references to the targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, exosporium protein fragments, fusion proteins, and recombinant exosporium producing Bacillus cells that express such fusion proteins should be considered to be disclosed and claimed only in combination (and preferably in a synergistic combination) with one or more of the particular biological control agents described herein. Furthermore, references to “the particular microorganisms disclosed herein” or “to the particular biological control agents described, or disclosed, herein” are intended to encompass the biological control agents and the microorganisms, including the strains, mutants and metabolites thereof, as described below under the heading “Synthetic Nodulation Factors and Plant Growth Stimulations”.

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound and an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source or a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one further and different particular biological control agent disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in synergistically effective amounts.

In some embodiments, the targeting sequence comprises an amino acid sequence having at least about 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 54%; a targeting sequence comprising amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1; a targeting sequence comprising amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1; a targeting sequence comprising amino acids 22-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1; a targeting sequence comprising amino acids 22-33 of SEQ ID NO: 1; a targeting sequence comprising amino acids 20-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1; a targeting sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 1; or an exosporium protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with SEQ ID NO: 2.

In other embodiments, the recombinant Bacillus cells are cells of a Bacillus cereus family member such as Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus samanii, Bacillus gaemokensis, Bacillus weihenstephensis, Bacillus toyoiensis and combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the recombinant Bacillus cells are cells of Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A.

In certain aspects, the fusion protein comprises an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound selected from the group consisting of an acetoin reductase, an indole-3-acetamide hydrolase, a tryptophan monooxygenase, an acetolactate synthetase, an α-acetolactate decarboxylase, a pyruvate decarboxylase, a diacetyl reductase, a butanediol dehydrogenase, an aminotransferase, a tryptophan decarboxylase, an amine oxidase, an indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase, an indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, a tryptophan side chain oxidase, a nitrile hydrolase, a nitrilase, a peptidase, a protease, an adenosine phosphate isopentenyltransferase, a phosphatase, an adenosine kinase, an adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, CYP735A, a 5′ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase, an adenosine nucleosidase, a zeatin cis-trans isomerase, a zeatin O-glucosyltransferase, a β-glucosidase, a cis-hydroxylase, a CK cis-hydroxylase, a CK N-glucosyltransferase, a 2,5-ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase, an adenosine nucleosidase, a purine nucleoside phosphorylase, a zeatin reductase, a hydroxylamine reductase, a 2-oxoglutarate dioxygenase, a gibberellic 2B/3B hydrolase, a gibberellin 3-oxidase, a gibberellin 20-oxidase, a chitosanase, a chitinase, a β-1,3-glucanase, a β-1,4-glucanase, a β-1,6-glucanase, an aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, and an enzyme involved in producing a nod factor.

In other aspects, the fusion protein comprises an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source selected from the group consisting of a cellulase, a lipase, a lignin oxidase, a protease, a glycoside hydrolase, a phosphatase, a nitrogenase, a nuclease, an amidase, a nitrate reductase, a nitrite reductase, an amylase, an ammonia oxidase, a ligninase, a glucosidase, a phospholipase, a phytase, a pectinase, a glucanase, a sulfatase, a urease, a xylanase, and a siderophore.

In some embodiments, the fusion protein is expressed under the control of a sporulation promoter native to the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment of the fusion protein. The fusion protein may be expressed under the control of a high-expression sporulation promoter. In certain aspects, the high-expression sporulation promoter comprises a sigma-K sporulation-specific polymerase promoter sequence. In other aspects, the sporulation promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having at least 80% identity, at least 85% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity, at least 96% identity, at least 97% identity, at least 98% identity, or at least 99% identity with a nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 85-103. In some embodiments, the sporulation promoter comprises a nucleic acid sequence having 100% identity with a nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 85-103.

In other embodiments, the at least one biological control agent is a Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain that produces a fengycin or plipastatin-type compound, an iturin-type compound, and/or a surfactin-type compound. For background, see the following review article: Ongena, M., et al., “Bacillus Lipopeptides: Versatile Weapons for Plant Disease Biocontrol,” Trends in Microbiology, Vol 16, No. 3, March 2008, pp. 115-125. Bacillus strains capable of producing lipopeptides include Bacillus subtilis QST713, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (available as BACSTAR® from Etec Crop Solutions, NZ and also available as DOUBLE NICKEL™ from Certis, US); Bacillus subtilis MBI600 (available as SUBTILEX® from Becker Underwood, US EPA Reg. No. 71840-8); Bacillus subtilis Y1336 (available as BIOBAC® WP from Bion-Tech, Taiwan, registered as a biological fungicide in Taiwan under Registration Nos. 4764, 5454, 5096 and 5277); Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, in particular strain FZB42 (available as RHIZOVITAL® from ABiTEP, DE); and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 is available from Novozymes Biologicals Inc. (Salem, Va.) or Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC (Greensboro, N.C.) as the fungicide TAEGRO® or TAEGRO® ECO (EPA Registration No. 70127-5).

In still other embodiments, the at least one biological control agent is selected from the group consisting of Bacillus pumilus strain QST2808, Bacillus subtilis strain QST713, Bacillus subtilis strain QST30002, Bacillus subtilis strain QST30004, Streptomyces microflavus strain NRRL B-50550, Streptomyces microflavus strain M, Bacillus firmus strain I-1582, mutants thereof having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strains, and at least one metabolite produced by the respective strains that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound and an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source; or a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) Bacillus firmus strain I-1582 in a synergistically effective amount.

In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound and an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source or at least one protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) Bacillus subtilis strain QST713 in a synergistically effective amount.

In some embodiments, the composition of the present invention comprises a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound and an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source or at least one protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) Bacillus pumilus strain QST2808 in a synergistically effective amount.

In yet other embodiments, the composition further comprises c) at least one fungicide and/or d) at least one insecticide. The at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide may be synthetic. In one aspect of such embodiment, the biological control agent and additional insecticide of such composition comprise Bacillus firmus strain I-1582 and clothianidin, respectively.

In a particular aspect of the above embodiments (i) the biological control agent is Bacillus subtilis QST713 or mutants having all the identifying characteristics of the Bacillus subtilis QST713 and/or at least 95% or at least 98% sequence identity to Bacillus subtilis QST713; (ii) the targeting sequence comprises an amino acid sequence having at least about 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 54%; (iii) the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide comprises endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase, preferably with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 and 109, respectively; and (iv) the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member cells comprise cells of Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus mycoides. In yet another particular embodiment, the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member cells are cells of Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A.

In a particular aspect of the above embodiments (i) the biological control agent is Bacillus firmus I-1582 or mutants having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus firmus I-1582 and/or at least 95% or at least 98% sequence identity to Bacillus firmus I-1582; (ii) the targeting sequence comprises an amino acid sequence having at least about 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 54%; (iii) the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide comprises endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase, preferably with at least 95% or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 and 109, respectively; and (iv) the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member cells comprise cells of Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus mycoides. In yet another particular embodiment, the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member cells are cells of Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A. In yet another aspect of this embodiment the composition further comprises clothianidin.

In a particular aspect of the above embodiments (i) the biological control agent is Bacillus pumilus QST2808 or mutants having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus pumilus QST2808 and/or at least 95% or at least 98% sequence identity to Bacillus pumilus QST2808; (ii) the targeting sequence comprises an amino acid sequence having at least about 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 54%; (iii) the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide comprises endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase, preferably with at least 95% or at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 and 109, respectively; and (iv) the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member cells comprise the cells of Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus mycoides. In yet another particular embodiment, the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member cells are cells of Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A.

In some aspects, the composition further comprises at least one auxiliary selected from the group consisting of extenders, solvents, spontaneity promoters, carriers, emulsifiers, dispersants, frost protectants, thickeners and adjuvants.

In other aspects, the invention is directed to a seed treated with any of the compositions disclosed herein.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to use of the disclosed compositions as a fungicide and/or insecticide. In certain aspects, the disclosed compositions are used for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens. In other aspects, the disclosed compositions are used for enhancing plant growth and/or promoting plant health.

Additionally, the present invention is directed to a method of treating a plant, a plant part, such as a seed, root, rhizome, corm, bulb, or tuber, and/or a locus on which or near which the plant or the plant parts grow, such as soil, to enhance plant growth and/or promote plant health comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying to a plant, a plant part and/or a plant loci: a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound; an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source; and a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one biological control agent disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying to a plant, a plant part, such as a seed, root, rhizome, corm, bulb, or tuber, and/or a locus on which or near which the plant or the plant parts grow, such as soil: a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound; an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source; and a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one biological control agent disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount.

In the above paragraphs, the term “comprise” or any derivative thereof (e.g., comprising, comprises) may be replaced with “consist of” or the applicable corresponding derivative thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an alignment of the amino acid sequence of the amino-terminal portion of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain Bc1A and with the corresponding region from various exosporium proteins from Bacillus cereus family members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general “pesticidal” means the ability of a substance to increase mortality or inhibit the growth rate of plant pests. The term is used herein, to describe the property of a substance to exhibit activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens. In the sense of the present invention the term “pests” include insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

As used herein, “biological control” is defined as control of a pathogen and/or insect and/or an acarid and/or a nematode by the use of a second organism. Known mechanisms of biological control include bacteria that control root rot by out-competing fungi for space or nutrients on the surface of the root. Bacterial toxins, such as antibiotics, have been used to control pathogens. The toxin can be isolated and applied directly to the plant or the bacterial species may be administered so it produces the toxin in situ. Other means of exerting biological control include the application of certain fungi producing ingredients active against a target phytopathogen, insect, mite or nematode, or attacking the target pest/pathogen. “Biological control” as used in connection with the present invention may also encompass microorganisms having a beneficial effect on plant health, growth, vigor, stress response or yield. Application routes include spray application, soil application and seed treatment.

The term “metabolite” refers to any compound, substance or byproduct of a fermentation of a said microorganism that has pesticidal, fungicidal or nematicidal activity or ability to enhance plant health or increase plant yield. The term “mutant” refers to a variant of the parental strain as well as methods for obtaining a mutant or variant in which the pesticidal activity is greater than that expressed by the parental strain. The “parent strain” is defined herein as the original strain before mutagenesis or the deposited strain. To obtain such mutants the parental strain may be treated with a chemical such as N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, ethylmethanesulfone, or by irradiation using gamma, x-ray, or UV-irradiation, or by other means well known to those skilled in the art.

A “variant” is a strain having all the identifying characteristics of the NRRL or ATCC Accession Numbers as indicated in this text and can be identified as having a genome that hybridizes under conditions of high stringency to the genome of the NRRL or ATCC Accession Numbers.

“Hybridization” refers to a reaction in which one or more polynucleotides react to form a complex that is stabilized via hydrogen bonding between the bases of the nucleotide residues. The hydrogen bonding may occur by Watson-Crick base pairing, Hoogstein binding, or in any other sequence-specific manner. The complex may comprise two strands forming a duplex structure, three or more strands forming a multi-stranded complex, a single self-hybridizing strand, or any combination of these. Hybridization reactions can be performed under conditions of different “stringency”. In general, a low stringency hybridization reaction is carried out at about 40° C. in 10×SSC or a solution of equivalent ionic strength/temperature. A moderate stringency hybridization is typically performed at about 50° C. in 6×SSC, and a high stringency hybridization reaction is generally performed at about 60° C. in 1×SSC.

A variant of the indicated NRRL or ATCC Accession Number may also be defined as a strain having a genomic sequence that is greater than 85%, more preferably greater than 90% or more preferably greater than 95% sequence identity to the genome of the indicated NRRL or ATCC Accession Number. A polynucleotide or polynucleotide region (or a polypeptide or polypeptide region) has a certain percentage (for example, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%) of “sequence identity” to another sequence means that, when aligned, that percentage of bases (or amino acids) are the same in comparing the two sequences. This alignment and the percent homology or sequence identity can be determined using software programs known in the art, for example, those described in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (F. M. Ausubel et al., eds., 1987) Supplement 30, Section 7. 7. 18, Table 7. 7. 1.

NRRL is the abbreviation for the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection, having the address National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Ill. 61604, U.S.A.

ATCC is the abbreviation for the American Type Culture Collection, having the address ATCC Patent Depository, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 10110, U.S.A.

CNCM is the abbreviation for the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes, Institute Pasteur, France, having the address of Institut Pasteur, 25 Rue du Docteur Roux, F-75724 Paris Cedex 15, France.

All strains described herein and having an accession number in which the prefix is NRRL, ATCC or CNCM have been deposited with the above-described respective depositary institution in accordance with the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.

An “enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound” includes any enzyme that catalyzes any step in a biological synthesis pathway for a compound that stimulates plant growth or alters plant structure, or any enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an inactive or less active derivative of a compound that stimulates plant growth or alters plant structure to an active or more active form of the compound. Such compounds include, for example, but are not limited to, small molecule plant hormones such as auxins and cytokinins, bioactive peptides, and small plant growth stimulating molecules synthesized by bacteria or fungi in the rhizosphere (e.g., 2,3-butanediol).

A “plant immune system enhancer protein or peptide” as used herein includes any protein or peptide that has a beneficial effect on the immune system of a plant.

The term “plant growth stimulating protein or peptide” as used herein includes any protein or peptide that increases plant growth in a plant exposed to the protein or peptide.

The terms “promoting plant growth” and “stimulating plant growth” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to the ability to enhance or increase at least one of the plant's height, weight, leaf size, root size, or stem size, to increase protein yield from the plant or to increase grain yield of the plant.

A “protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen” as used herein includes any protein or peptide that makes a plant exposed to the protein or peptide less susceptible to infection with a pathogen.

A “protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant” as used herein includes any protein or peptide that makes a plant exposed to the protein or peptide more resistant to stress.

The term “plant binding protein or peptide” refers to any peptide or protein capable of specifically or non-specifically binding to any part of a plant (e.g., roots or aerial portions of a plant such as leaves foliage, stems, flowers, or fruits) or to plant matter.

The term “targeting sequence” as used herein refers to a polypeptide sequence that results in the localization of a longer polypeptide or the protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member.

Recombinant Exosporium-Producing Bacillus Cells Expressing Fusion Proteins

The fusion proteins contain a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member and: (a) a plant growth stimulating protein or peptide; (b) a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; (c) a protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance of a plant; (d) a plant binding protein or peptide; or (e) a plant immune system enhancer protein or peptide. When expressed in Bacillus cereus family member bacteria, these fusion proteins are targeted to the exosporium layer of the spore and are physically oriented such that the protein or peptide is displayed on the outside of the spore.

This Bacillus exosporium display (BEMD) system can be used to deliver peptides, enzymes, and other proteins to plants (e.g., to plant foliage, fruits, flowers, stems, or roots) or to a plant growth medium such as soil. Peptides, enzymes, and proteins delivered to the soil or another plant growth medium in this manner persist and exhibit activity in the soil for extended periods of time. Introduction of recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells expressing the fusion proteins described herein into soil or the rhizosphere of a plant leads to a beneficial enhancement of plant growth in many different soil conditions. The use of the BEMD to create these enzymes allows them to continue to exert their beneficial results to the plant and the rhizosphere over the first months of a plants life.

Targeting Sequences, Exosporium Proteins, and Exosporium Protein Fragments

For ease of reference, the SEQ ID NOS. for the peptide and protein sequences referred to herein are listed in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Peptide and Protein Sequences Sequence Identification Protein, Protein Fragment, or Targeting Sequence Number AA 1-41 of BclA SEQ ID NO: 1* (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BclA SEQ ID NO: 2* AA 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 3 BetA/BAS3290 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BetA/BAS3290 SEQ ID NO: 4 Met + AA 2-43 of SEQ ID NO: 5 BAS4623 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BAS4623 SEQ ID NO: 6 AA 1-34 of BclB SEQ ID NO: 7 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BclB SEQ ID NO: 8 AA 1-30 of BAS1882 (B. anthracis Sterne) SEQ ID NO: 9 Full length BAS1882 SEQ ID NO: 10 AA 1-39 of gene 2280 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) SEQ ID NO: 11 Full length KBAB4 gene 2280 SEQ ID NO: 12 AA 1-39 of gene 3572 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) SEQ ID NO: 13 Full Length KBAB4 gene 3572 SEQ ID NO: 14 AA 1-49 of Exosporium Leader Peptide SEQ ID NO: 15 (B. cereus VD200) Full Length Exosporium Leader Peptide SEQ ID NO: 16 AA 1-33 of Exosporium Leader Peptide SEQ ID NO: 17 (B. cereus VD166) Full Length Exosporium Leader Peptide SEQ ID NO: 18 AA 1-39 of hypothetical protein IKG_04663 SEQ ID NO: 19 (B. cereus VD200) Full Length hypothetical protein IKG_04663, partial SEQ ID NO: 20 AA 1-39 of YVTN β-propeller protein SEQ ID NO: 21 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Full length YVTN β-propeller protein KBAB4 SEQ ID NO: 22 AA 1-30 of hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363 SEQ ID NO: 23 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Full length hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363 SEQ ID NO: 24 KBAB4 AA 1-30 of hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131 SEQ ID NO: 25 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Full length hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131 SEQ ID NO: 26 AA 1-36 of triple helix repeat containing collagen SEQ ID NO: 27 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Full length triple helix repeat-containing SEQ ID NO: 28 collagen KBAB4 AA 1-39 of hypothetical protein bmyco0001_21660 SEQ ID NO: 29 (B. mycoides 2048) Full length hypothetical protein bmyco0001_21660 SEQ ID NO: 30 AA 1-30 of hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540 SEQ ID NO: 31 (B. mycoides 2048) Full length hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540 SEQ ID NO: 32 AA 1-21 of hypothetical protein bmyc0001_21510 SEQ ID NO: 33 (B. mycoides 2048) Full length hypothetical protein bmyc0001_21510 SEQ ID NO: 34 AA 1-22 of collagen triple helix repeat protein SEQ ID NO: 35 (B. thuringiensis 35646) Full length collagen triple helix repeat protein SEQ ID NO: 36 AA 1-35 of hypothetical protein WP_69652 SEQ ID NO: 43 (B. cereus) Full length hypothetical protein WP_69652 SEQ ID NO: 44 AA 1-41 of exosporium leader WP016117717 SEQ ID NO: 45 (B. cereus) Full length exosporium leader WP016117717 SEQ ID NO: 46 AA 1-49 of exosporium peptide WP002105192 SEQ ID NO: 47 (B. cereus) Full length exosporium peptide WP002105192 SEQ ID NO: 48 AA 1-38 of hypothetical protein WP87353 SEQ ID NO: 49 (B. cereus) Full length hypothetical protein WP87353 SEQ ID NO: 50 AA 1-39 of exosporium peptide 02112369 SEQ ID NO: 51 (B. cereus) Full length exosporium peptide 02112369 SEQ ID NO: 52 AA 1-39 of exosporium protein WP016099770 SEQ ID NO: 53 (B. cereus) Full length exosporium protein WP016099770 SEQ ID NO: 54 AA 1-36 of hypothetical protein YP006612525 SEQ ID NO: 55 (B. thuringiensis) Full length hypothetical protein YP006612525 SEQ ID NO: 56 AA 1-136 of hypothetical protein TIGR03720 SEQ ID (B. mycoides) NO: 57** Full length hypothetical protein TIGR03720 SEQ ID NO: 58** AA 1-196 of BclA SEQ ID NO: 59* (B. anthracis Sterne) Met + AA 20-35 of BclA SEQ ID NO: 60 (B. anthracis Sterne) Met + AA 12-27 of BetA/BAS3290 SEQ ID NO: 61 (B. anthracis Sterne) Met + AA 18-33 of gene 2280 SEQ ID NO: 62 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Met + AA 18-33 of gene 3572 SEQ ID NO: 63 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Met + AA 12-27 of Exosporium Leader Peptide SEQ ID NO: 64 (B. cereus VD166) Met + AA 18-33 of YVTN β-propeller protein SEQ ID NO: 65 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Met + AA 9-24 of hypothetical protein SEQ ID NO: 66 bcerkbab4_2363 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Met + AA 9-24 of hypothetical protein SEQ ID NO: 67 bcerkbab4_2131 (B. weihenstephensis KBAB4) Met + AA 9-24 of hypothetical protein SEQ ID NO: 68 bmyc0001_22540 (B. mycoides 2048) Met + AA 9-24 of SEQ ID NO: 69 BAS1882 (B. anthracis Sterne) Met + AA 20-35 of exosporium leader WP016117717 SEQ ID NO: 70 (B. cereus) Full length InhA SEQ ID NO: 71 (B. mycoides) Full length BAS1141 (ExsY) SEQ ID NO: 72 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BAS1144 (BxpB/ExsFA) SEQ ID NO: 73 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BAS1145 (CotY) SEQ ID NO: 74 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length BAS1140 SEQ ID NO: 75 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length ExsFB SEQ ID NO: 76 (B. anthracis H9401) Full length InhA1 SEQ ID NO: 77 (B. thuringiensis HD74) Full length ExsJ SEQ ID NO: 78 (B. cereus ATCC 10876) Full length ExsH SEQ ID NO: 79 (B. cereus) Full length YjcA SEQ ID NO: 80 (B. anthracis Ames) Full length YjcB SEQ ID NO: 81 (B. anthracis) Full length BclC SEQ ID NO: 82 (B. anthracis Sterne) Full length acid phosphatase SEQ ID NO: 83 (Bacillus thuringiensis serovar konkukian str. 97-27) Full length InhA2 SEQ ID NO: 84 (B. thuringiensis HD74) AA = amino acids *B. anthracis Sterne strain BclA has 100% sequence identity with B. thuringiensis BclA. Thus, SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, and 59 also represent amino acids 1-41 of B. thuringiensis BclA, full length B. thuringiensis BclA, and amino acids 1-196 of B. thuringiensis BclA, respectively. Likewise, SEQ ID NO: 60 also represents a methionine residue plus amino acids 20-35 of B. thuringiensis BclA. **B. mycoides hypothetical protein TIGR03720 has 100% sequence identity with B. mycoides hypothetical protein WP003189234. Thus, SEQ ID NOs: 57 and 58 also represent amino acids 1-136 of B. mycoides hypothetical protein WP003189234 and full length B. mycoides hypothetical protein WP003189234, respectively.

Bacillus is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria. The Bacillus cereus family of bacteria includes the species Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus samanii, Bacillus gaemokensis, Bacillus toyoiensis and Bacillus weihenstephensis. Under stressful environmental conditions, Bacillus cereus family bacteria undergo sporulation and form oval endospores that can stay dormant for extended periods of time. The outermost layer of the endospores is known as the exosporium and comprises a basal layer surrounded by an external nap of hair-like projections. Filaments on the hair-like nap are predominantly formed by the collagen-like glycoprotein Bc1A, while the basal layer is comprised of a number of different proteins. Another collagen-related protein, Bc1B, is also present in the exosporium and exposed on endospores of Bacillus cereus family members.

Bc1A, the major constituent of the surface nap, has been shown to be attached to the exosporium with its amino-terminus (N-terminus) positioned at the basal layer and its carboxy-terminus (C-terminus) extending outward from the spore.

It was previously discovered that certain sequences from the N-terminal regions of Bc1A and Bc1B could be used to target a peptide or protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus endospore (see U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2010/0233124 and 2011/0281316, and Thompson, et al., “Targeting of the Bc1A and Bc1B Proteins to the Bacillus anthracis Spore Surface,” Molecular Microbiology, 70(2):421-34 (2008), the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference). It was also found that the BetA/BAS3290 protein of Bacillus anthracis localized to the exosporium.

In particular, amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A from Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain have been found to be sufficient for targeting to the exosporium. A sequence alignment of amino acids 1-41 of Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 1) with the corresponding N-terminal regions of several other Bacillus cereus family exosporium proteins and Bacillus cereus family proteins having related sequences is shown in FIG. 1. As can be seen from FIG. 1, there is a region of high-homology among all of the proteins in the region corresponding to amino acids 20-41 of Bc1A. However, in these sequences, the amino acids corresponding to amino acids 36-41 of Bc1A contain secondary structure and are not necessary for fusion protein localization to the exosporium. The conserved targeting sequence region of Bc1A (amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1) is shown in bold in FIG. 1 and corresponds to the minimal targeting sequence needed for localization to the exosporium. A more highly conserved region spanning amino acids 25-35 of Bc1A within the targeting sequence is underlined in the sequences in FIG. 1, and is the recognition sequence for ExsFA/BxpB/ExsFB and homologs, which direct and assemble the described proteins on the surface of the exosporium The amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 3, 5, and 7 in FIG. 1 are amino acids 1-33 of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain BetA/BAS3290, a methionine followed by amino acids 2-43 of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain BAS4623, and amino acids 1-34 of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain Bc1B, respectively. (For BAS4623, it was found that replacing the valine present at position 1 in the native protein with a methionine resulted in better expression.) As can be seen from FIG. 1, each of these sequences contains a conserved region corresponding to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 1; shown in bold), and a more highly conserved region corresponding to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A (underlined).

Additional proteins from Bacillus cereus family members also contain the conserved targeting region. In particular, in FIG. 1, SEQ ID NO: 9 is amino acids 1-30 of Bacillus anthracis Sterne strain BAS1882, SEQ ID NO: 11 is amino acids 1-39 of the Bacillus weihenstephensis KBAB4 2280 gene product, SEQ ID NO: 13 is amino acids 1-39 of the Bacillus weihenstephensis KBAB4 3572 gene product, SEQ ID NO: 15 is amino acids 1-49 of Bacillus cereus VD200 exosporium leader peptide, SEQ ID NO: 17 is amino acids 1-33 of Bacillus cereus VD166 exosporium leader peptide, SEQ ID NO: 19 is amino acids 1-39 of Bacillus cereus VD200 hypothetical protein IKG_04663, SEQ ID NO: 21 is amino acids 1-39 of Bacillus weihenstephensis KBAB4 YVTN β-propeller protein, SEQ ID NO: 23 is amino acids 1-30 of Bacillus weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363, SEQ ID NO: 25 is amino acids 1-30 of Bacillus weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131, SEQ ID NO: 27 is amino acids 1-36 of Bacillus weihenstephensis KBAB4 triple helix repeat containing collagen, SEQ ID NO: 29 is amino acids 1-39 of Bacillus mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyco0001_21660, SEQ ID NO: 31 is amino acids 1-30 of Bacillus mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540, SEQ ID NO: 33 is amino acids 1-21 of Bacillus mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_21510, SEQ ID NO: 35 is amino acids 1-22 of Bacillus thuringiensis 35646 collagen triple helix repeat protein, SEQ ID NO: 43 is amino acids 1-35 of Bacillus cereus hypothetical protein WP_69652, SEQ ID NO: 45 is amino acids 1-41 of Bacillus cereus exosporium leader WP016117717, SEQ ID NO: 47 is amino acids 1-49 of Bacillus cereus exosporium peptide WP002105192, SEQ ID NO: 49 is amino acids 1-38 of Bacillus cereus hypothetical protein WP87353, SEQ ID NO: 51 is amino acids 1-39 of Bacillus cereus exosporium peptide 02112369, SEQ ID NO: 53 is amino acids 1-39 of Bacillus cereus exosporium protein WP016099770, SEQ ID NO: 55 is amino acids 1-36 of Bacillus thuringiensis hypothetical protein YP006612525, and SEQ ID NO: 57 is amino acids 1-136 of Bacillus mycoides hypothetical protein TIGR03720. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the N-terminal regions of these proteins contains a region that is conserved with amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 1), and a more highly conserved region corresponding to amino acids 25-35 of Bc1A.

Any portion of Bc1A which includes amino acids 20-35 can be used as the targeting sequence. In addition, full-length exosporium proteins or exosporium protein fragments can be used for targeting the fusion proteins to the exosporium. Thus, full-length Bc1A or a fragment of Bc1A that includes amino acids 20-35 can be used for targeting to the exosporium. For example, full length Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a midsized fragment of Bc1A that lacks the carboxy-terminus such as SEQ ID NO: 59 (amino acids 1-196 of Bc1A) can be used to target the fusion proteins to the exosporium. Midsized fragments such as the fragment of SEQ ID NO: 59 have less secondary structure than full length Bc1A and have been found to be suitable for use as a targeting sequence. The targeting sequence can also comprise much shorter portions of Bc1A which include amino acids 20-35, such as SEQ ID NO: 1 (amino acids 1-41 of Bc1A), amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or SEQ ID NO: 60 (a methionine residue linked to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A). Even shorter fragments of Bc1A which include only some of amino acids 20-35 also exhibit the ability to target fusion proteins to the exosporium. For example, the targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 22-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 22-33 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or amino acids 20-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Alternatively, any portion of BetA/BAS3290, BAS4623, Bc1B, BAS1882, the KBAB4 2280 gene product, the KBAB4 3572 gene product, B. cereus VD200 exosporium leader peptide, B. cereus VD166 exosporium leader peptide, B. cereus VD200 hypothetical protein IKG_04663, B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 YVTN β-propeller protein, B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363, B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131, B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 triple helix repeat containing collagen, B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyco0001_21660, B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540, B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_21510, B. thuringiensis 35646 collagen triple helix repeat protein, B. cereus hypothetical protein WP_69652, B. cereus exosporium leader WP016117717, B. cereus exosporium peptide WP002105192, B. cereus hypothetical protein WP87353, B. cereus exosporium peptide 02112369, B. cereus exosporium protein WP016099770, B. thuringiensis hypothetical protein YP006612525, or B. mycoides hypothetical protein TIGR03720, which includes the amino acids corresponding to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A can serve as the targeting sequence. As can be seen from FIG. 1, amino acids 12-27 of BetA/BAS3290, amino acids 23-38 of BAS4623, amino acids 13-28 of Bc1B, amino acids 9-24 of BAS1882, amino acids 18-33 of KBAB4 2280 gene product, amino acids 18-33 of KBAB4 3572 gene product, amino acids 28-43 of B. cereus VD200 exosporium leader peptide, amino acids 12-27 of B. cereus VD166 exosporium leader peptide, amino acids 18-33 of B. cereus VD200 hypothetical protein IKG_04663, amino acids 18-33 B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 YVTN β-propeller protein, amino acids 9-24 of B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363, amino acids 9-24 of B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131, amino acids 15-30 of B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 triple helix repeat containing collagen, amino acids 18-33 of B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyco0001_21660, amino acids 9-24 of B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540, amino acids 1-15 of B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_21510, amino acids 1-16 of B. thuringiensis 35646 collagen triple helix repeat protein, amino acids 14-29 of B. cereus hypothetical protein WP_69652, amino acids 20-35 of B. cereus exosporium leader WP016117717, amino acids 28-43 of B. cereus exosporium peptide WP002105192, amino acids 17-32 of B. cereus hypothetical protein WP87353, amino acids 18-33 of B. cereus exosporium peptide 02112369, amino acids 18-33 of B. cereus exosporium protein WP016099770, amino acids 15-30 of B. thuringiensis hypothetical protein YP006612525, and amino acids 115-130 of B. mycoides hypothetical protein TIGR03720 correspond to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A. Thus, any portion of these proteins that includes the above-listed corresponding amino acids can serve as the targeting sequence.

Furthermore, any amino acid sequence comprising amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A, or any of the above-listed corresponding amino acids can serve as the targeting sequence.

Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 60, amino acids 22-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 22-33 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or amino acids 20-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 1, or SEQ ID NO: 60. Alternatively, the targeting sequence can consist of amino acids 22-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 22-33 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or amino acids 20-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Alternatively, the exosporium protein can comprise full length Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 2), or the exosporium protein fragment can comprise a midsized fragment of Bc1A that lacks the carboxy-terminus, such as SEQ ID NO: 59 (amino acids 1-196 of Bc1A). Alternatively, the exosporium protein fragment can consist of SEQ ID NO: 59.

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-27 of SEQ ID NO: 3, amino acids 12-27 of SEQ ID NO: 3, or SEQ ID NO: 3, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length BetA/BAS3290 (SEQ ID NO: 4). It has also been found that a methionine residue linked to amino acids 12-27 of BetA/BAS3290 can be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 61. The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 14-23 of SEQ ID NO: 3, amino acids 14-25 of SEQ ID NO: 3, or amino acids 12-23 of SEQ ID NO: 3.

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-38 of SEQ ID NO: 5, amino acids 23-38 of SEQ ID NO: 5, or SEQ ID NO: 5, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length BAS4623 (SEQ ID NO: 6).

Alternatively, the targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-28 of SEQ ID NO: 7, amino acids 13-28 of SEQ ID NO: 7, or SEQ ID NO: 7, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length Bc1B (SEQ ID NO: 8).

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-24 of SEQ ID NO: 9, amino acids 9-24 of SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 9, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length BAS1882 (SEQ ID NO: 10). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 9-24 of BAS1882 can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 69.

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO:11, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 11, or SEQ ID NO: 11, or the exosporium protein can comprise the full length B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 2280 gene product (SEQ ID NO: 12). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 18-33 of the B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 2280 gene product can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 62.

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 13, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 13, or SEQ ID NO:13, or the exosporium protein can comprise the full length B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 3572 gene product (SEQ ID NO:14). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 18-33 of the B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 3572 gene product can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 63.

Alternatively, the targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-43 of SEQ ID NO: 15, amino acids 28-43 of SEQ ID NO: 15, or SEQ ID NO: 15, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus VD200 exosporium leader peptide (SEQ ID NO: 16).

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-27 of SEQ ID NO: 17, amino acids 12-27 of SEQ ID NO: 17, or SEQ ID NO: 17, or the exosporium protein can comprise full-length B. cereus VD166 exosporium leader peptide (SEQ ID NO: 18). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 12-27 of the B. cereus VD166 exosporium leader peptide can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 64.

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 19, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 19, or SEQ ID NO: 19, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus VD200 hypothetical protein IKG_04663 (SEQ ID NO: 20).

Alternatively, the targeting sequence comprises amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 21, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 21, or SEQ ID NO: 21, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 YVTN β-propeller protein (SEQ ID NO: 22). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 18-33 of the B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 YVTN β-propeller protein can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 65.

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-24 of SEQ ID NO: 23, amino acids 9-24 of SEQ ID NO: 23, or SEQ ID NO: 23, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363 (SEQ ID NO: 24). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 9-24 of B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2363 can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 66.

The targeting sequence comprise amino acids 1-24 of SEQ ID NO: 25, amino acids 9-24 of SEQ ID NO: 25, or SEQ ID NO: 25, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131 (SEQ ID NO: 26). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 9-24 of B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 hypothetical protein bcerkbab4_2131 can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 67.

Alternatively, the targeting sequence comprises amino acids 1-30 of SEQ ID NO: 27, amino acids 15-30 of SEQ ID NO: 27, or SEQ ID NO: 27, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. weihenstephensis KBAB4 triple helix repeat containing collagen (SEQ ID NO: 28).

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 29, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 29, or SEQ ID NO: 29, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyco0001_21660 (SEQ ID NO:30).

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-24 of SEQ ID NO: 31, amino acids 9-24 of SEQ ID NO: 31, or SEQ ID NO:31, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540 (SEQ ID NO:32). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 9-24 of B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_22540 can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 68.

Alternatively, the targeting sequence comprises amino acids 1-15 of SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 33, or the exosporium protein comprises full length B. mycoides 2048 hypothetical protein bmyc0001_21510 (SEQ ID NO: 34).

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-16 of SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 35, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. thuringiensis 35646 collagen triple helix repeat protein (SEQ ID NO:36).

The targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-29 of SEQ ID NO: 43, amino acids 14-29 of SEQ ID NO: 43, or SEQ ID NO: 43, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus hypothetical protein WP_69652 (SEQ ID NO: 44).

Alternatively, the targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 45, amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 45, or SEQ ID NO: 45, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus exosporium leader WP016117717 (SEQ ID NO: 46). A methionine residue linked to amino acids 20-35 of B. cereus exosporium leader WP016117717 can also be used as a targeting sequence. Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise SEQ ID NO: 70.

The targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-43 of SEQ ID NO: 47, amino acids 28-43 of SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO: 47, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus exosporium peptide WP002105192 (SEQ ID NO: 48).

The targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-32 of SEQ ID NO: 49, amino acids 17-32 of SEQ ID NO: 49, or SEQ ID NO: 49, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus hypothetical protein WP87353 (SEQ ID NO: 50).

Alternatively, the targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 51, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 51, or SEQ ID NO: 51, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus exosporium peptide 02112369 (SEQ ID NO: 52).

The targeting sequence can comprise amino acids 1-33 of SEQ ID NO: 53, amino acids 18-33 of SEQ ID NO: 53, or SEQ ID NO: 53, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. cereus exosporium protein WP016099770 (SEQ ID NO: 54).

Alternatively, the targeting sequence can comprise acids 1-30 of SEQ ID NO: 55, amino acids 15-30 of SEQ ID NO: 55, or SEQ ID NO: 55, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. thuringiensis hypothetical protein YP006612525 (SEQ ID NO: 56).

The targeting sequence can also comprise amino acids 1-130 of SEQ ID NO: 57, amino acids 115-130 of SEQ ID NO: 57, or SEQ ID NO: 57, or the exosporium protein can comprise full length B. mycoides hypothetical protein TIGR03720 (SEQ ID NO: 58).

In addition, it can readily be seen from the sequence alignment in FIG. 1 that while amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A are conserved, and amino acids 25-35 are more conserved, some degree of variation can occur in this region without affecting the ability of the targeting sequence to target a protein to the exosporium. FIG. 1 lists the percent identity of each of corresponding amino acids of each sequence to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A (“20-35% Identity”) and to amino acids 25-35 of Bc1A (“25-35% Identity”). Thus, for example, as compared to amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A, the corresponding amino acids of BetA/BAS3290 are about 81.3% identical, the corresponding amino acids of BAS4623 are about 50.0% identical, the corresponding amino acids of Bc1B are about 43.8% identical, the corresponding amino acids of BAS1882 are about 62.5% identical, the corresponding amino acids of the KBAB4 2280 gene product are about 81.3% identical, and the corresponding amino acids of the KBAB4 3572 gene product are about 81.3% identical. The sequence identities over this region for the remaining sequences are listed in FIG. 1.

With respect to amino acids 25-35 of Bc1A, the corresponding amino acids of BetA/BAS3290 are about 90.9% identical, the corresponding amino acids of BAS4623 are about 72.7% identical, the corresponding amino acids of Bc1B are about 54.5% identical, the corresponding amino acids of BAS1882 are about 72.7% identical, the corresponding amino acids of the KBAB4 2280 gene product are about 90.9% identical, and the corresponding amino acids of the KBAB4 3572 gene product are about 81.8% identical. The sequence identities over this region for the remaining sequences are listed in FIG. 1.

Thus, the targeting sequence can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least about 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 54%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 54%.

The targeting sequence can also comprise an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 63%. Alternatively the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 50% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 63%.

The targeting sequence can also comprise an amino acid sequence having at least about 50% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 72%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 50% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 72%.

The targeting sequence can also comprise an amino acid sequence having at least about 56% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 63%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 56% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 63%.

Alternatively, the targeting sequence can comprise an amino sequence having at least about 62% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 72%. The targeting sequence can also consist of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 62% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 of SEQ ID NO:1 is at least about 72%.

The targeting sequence can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 68% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 81%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least 68% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 81%.

The targeting sequence can also comprise an amino sequence having at least about 75% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 72%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 75% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 of SEQ ID NO:1 is at least about 72%.

The targeting sequence can also comprise an amino sequence having at least about 75% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 81%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 75% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 of SEQ ID NO:1 is at least about 81%.

The targeting sequence can also comprise an amino acid sequence having at least about 81% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 81%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 81% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 81%.

The targeting sequence can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least about 81% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 90%. Alternatively, the targeting sequence consists of an amino acid sequence consisting of 16 amino acids and having at least about 81% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least about 90%.

The skilled person will recognize that variants of the above sequences can also be used as targeting sequences, so long as the targeting sequence comprises amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A, the corresponding amino acids of BetA/BAS3290, BAS4263, Bc1B, BAS1882, the KBAB4 2280 gene product, or the KBAB 3572 gene product, or a sequence comprising any of the above noted sequence identities to amino acids 20-35 and 25-35 of Bc1A is present.

It has further been discovered that certain Bacillus cereus family exosporium proteins which lack regions having homology to amino acids 25-35 of Bc1A can also be used to target a peptide or protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member. In particular, the fusion proteins can comprise an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 71 (B. mycoides InhA), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 72 (B. anthracis Sterne BAS1141 (ExsY)), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 73 (B. anthracis Sterne BAS1144 (BxpB/ExsFA)), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 74 (B. anthracis Sterne BAS1145 (CotY)), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 75 (B. anthracis Sterne BAS1140), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 76 (B. anthracis H9401 ExsFB), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 77 (B. thuringiensis HD74 InhA1), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 78 (B. cereus ATCC 10876 ExsJ), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 79 (B. cereus ExsH), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 80 (B. anthracis Ames YjcA), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 81 (B. anthracis YjcB), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 82 (B. anthracis Sterne Bc1C), an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 83 (Bacillus thuringiensis serovar konkukian str. 97-27 acid phosphatase), or an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 84 (B. thuringiensis HD74 InhA2). Inclusion of an exosporium protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, or 84 in the fusion proteins described herein will result in targeting to the exosporium of a B. cereus family member.

Moreover, exosporium proteins having a high degree of sequence identity with any of the full-length exosporium proteins or the exosporium protein fragments described above can also be used to target a peptide or protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member. Thus, the fusion protein can comprise an exosporium protein comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with any one of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84. Alternatively, the fusion protein can comprise an exosporium protein having at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity with any one of SEQ ID NOS: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 59, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84.

Alternatively, the fusion protein can comprise an exosporium protein fragment consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with SEQ ID NO: 59. Alternatively, the fusion protein can comprise an exosporium protein fragment consisting of an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity with SEQ ID NO: 59.

In any of the targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, or exosporium protein fragments described herein, the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment can comprise the amino acid sequence GXT at its carboxy terminus, wherein X is any amino acid.

In any of the targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, and exosporium protein fragments described herein, the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment, can comprise an alanine residue at the position of the targeting sequence that corresponds to amino acid 20 of SEQ ID NO: 1.

Fusion Proteins

The fusion proteins can comprise a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment, and at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide. The plant growth stimulating protein or peptide can comprise a peptide hormone, a non-hormone peptide, an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound or an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source. The targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment can be any of the targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, or exosporium protein fragments described above.

The fusion proteins can comprise a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment, and at least one protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen. The targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment can be any of the targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, or exosporium protein fragments described above.

The fusion protein can be made using standard cloning and molecular biology methods known in the art. For example, a gene encoding a protein or peptide (e.g., a gene encoding a plant growth stimulating protein or peptide) can be amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ligated to DNA coding for any of the above-described targeting sequences to form a DNA molecule that encodes the fusion protein. The DNA molecule encoding the fusion protein can be cloned into any suitable vector, for example a plasmid vector. The vector suitably comprises a multiple cloning site into which the DNA molecule encoding the fusion protein can be easily inserted. The vector also suitably contains a selectable marker, such as an antibiotic resistance gene, such that bacteria transformed, transfected, or mated with the vector can be readily identified and isolated. Where the vector is a plasmid, the plasmid suitably also comprises an origin of replication. The DNA encoding the fusion protein is suitably under the control of a sporulation promoter which will cause expression of the fusion protein on the exosporium of a B. cereus family member endospore (e.g., a native bc1A promoter from a B. cereus family member). Alternatively, DNA coding for the fusion protein can be integrated into the chromosomal DNA of the B. cereus family member host.

The fusion protein can also comprise additional polypeptide sequences that are not part of the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, exosporium protein fragment, or the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen, the protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant, or the plant binding protein or peptide. For example, the fusion protein can include tags or markers to facilitate purification or visualization of the fusion protein (e.g., a polyhistidine tag or a fluorescent protein such as GFP or YFP) or visualization of recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells spores expressing the fusion protein.

Expression of fusion proteins on the exosporium using the targeting sequences, exosporium proteins, and exosporium protein fragments described herein is enhanced due to a lack of secondary structure in the amino-termini of these sequences, which allows for native folding of the fused proteins and retention of activity. Proper folding can be further enhanced by the inclusion of a short amino acid linker between the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, exosporium protein fragment, and the fusion partner protein.

Thus, any of the fusion proteins described herein can comprise an amino acid linker between the targeting sequence, the exosporium protein, or the exosporium protein fragment and the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen, the protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant, or the plant binding protein or peptide.

The linker can comprise a polyalanine linker or a polyglycine linker. A linker comprising a mixture of both alanine and glycine residues can also be used. For example, where the targeting sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 1, a fusion protein can have one of the following structures:

-   -   No linker: SEQ ID NO: 1—Fusion Partner Protein     -   Alanine Linker: SEQ ID NO: 1—An—Fusion Partner Protein     -   Glycine Linker: SEQ ID NO: 1—Gn—Fusion Partner Protein     -   Mixed Alanine and Glycine Linker: SEQ ID NO: 1—(A/G)n—Fusion         Partner Protein     -   where An, Gn, and (A/G)n are any number of alanines, any number         of glycines, or any number of a mixture of alanines and         glycines, respectively. For example, n can be 1 to 25, and is         preferably 6 to 10. Where the linker comprises a mixture of         alanine and glycine residues, any combination of glycine and         alanine residues can be used. In the above structures, “Fusion         Partner Protein” represents the plant growth stimulating protein         or peptide, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from a         pathogen, the protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance         in a plant, or the plant binding protein or peptide.

Alternatively or in addition, the linker can comprise a protease recognition site. Inclusion of a protease recognition site allows for targeted removal, upon exposure to a protease that recognizes the protease recognition site, of the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen, the protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant, or the plant binding protein or peptide.

Plant Growth Stimulating Proteins and Peptides

As noted above, the fusion proteins can comprise a targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment and at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide. For example, the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide can comprise a peptide hormone, a non-hormone peptide, an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound, or an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source.

For example, where the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide comprises a peptide hormone, the peptide hormone can comprise a phytosulfokine (e.g., phytosulfokine-α), clavata 3 (CLV3), systemin, Zm1GF, or a SCR/SP11.

Where the plant growth stimulating protein or peptide comprises a non-hormone peptide, the non-hormone peptide can comprise a RKN 16D10, Hg-Syv46, an eNOD40 peptide, melittin, mastoparan, Mas7, RHPP, POLARIS, or kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI).

The plant growth stimulating protein or peptide can comprise an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound. The enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound can be any enzyme that catalyzes any step in a biological synthesis pathway for a compound that stimulates plant growth or alters plant structure, or any enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of an inactive or less active derivative of a compound that stimulates plant growth or alters plant structure into an active or more active form of the compound.

The plant growth stimulating compound can comprise a compound produced by bacteria or fungi in the rhizosphere, e.g., 2,3-butanediol.

Alternatively, the plant growth stimulating compound can comprise a plant growth hormone, e.g., a cytokinin or a cytokinin derivative, ethylene, an auxin or an auxin derivative, a gibberellic acid or a gibberellic acid derivative, abscisic acid or an abscisic acid derivative, or a jasmonic acid or a jasmonic acid derivative.

Where the plant growth stimulating compound comprises a cytokinin or a cytokinin derivative, the cytokinin or the cytokinin derivative can comprise kinetin, cis-zeatin, trans-zeatin, 6-benzylaminopurine, dihydroxyzeatin, N6-(D2-isopentenyl) adenine, ribosylzeatin, N6-(D2-isopentenyl) adenosine, 2-methylthio-cis-ribosylzeatin, cis-ribosylzeatin, trans-ribosylzeatin, 2-methylthio-trans-ribosylzeatin, ribosylzeatin-5-monosphosphate, N6-methylaminopurine, N6-dimethylaminopurine, 2′-deoxyzeatin riboside, 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-trans-2-butenylaminopurine, ortho-topolin, meta-topolin, benzyladenine, ortho-methyltopolin, meta-methyltopolin, or a combination thereof.

Where the plant growth stimulating compound comprises an auxin or an auxin derivative, the auxin or the auxin derivative can comprise an active auxin, an inactive auxin, a conjugated auxin, a naturally occurring auxin, or a synthetic auxin, or a combination thereof. For example, the auxin or auxin derivative can comprise indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-pyruvic acid, indole-3-acetaldoxime, indole-3-acetamide, indole-3-acetonitrile, indole-3-ethanol, indole-3-pyruvate, indole-3-acetaldoxime, indole-3-butyric acid, a phenylacetic acid, 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid, a glucose-conjugated auxin, or a combination thereof.

The enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound can comprise an acetoin reductase, an indole-3-acetamide hydrolase, a tryptophan monooxygenase, an acetolactate synthetase, an α-acetolactate decarboxylase, a pyruvate decarboxylase, a diacetyl reductase, a butanediol dehydrogenase, an aminotransferase (e.g., tryptophan aminotransferase), a tryptophan decarboxylase, an amine oxidase, an indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase, an indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, a tryptophan side chain oxidase, a nitrile hydrolase, a nitrilase, a peptidase, a protease, an adenosine phosphate isopentenyltransferase, a phosphatase, an adenosine kinase, an adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, CYP735A, a 5′ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase, an adenosine nucleosidase, a zeatin cis-trans isomerase, a zeatin O-glucosyltransferase, a β-glucosidase, a cis-hydroxylase, a CK cis-hydroxylase, a CK N-glucosyltransferase, a 2,5-ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase, an adenosine nucleosidase, a purine nucleoside phosphorylase, a zeatin reductase, a hydroxylamine reductase, a 2-oxoglutarate dioxygenase, a gibberellic 2B/3B hydrolase, a gibberellin 3-oxidase, a gibberellin 20-oxidase, a chitosinase, a chitinase, a β-1,3-glucanase, a β-1,4-glucanase, a β-1,6-glucanase, an aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, or an enzyme involved in producing a nod factor (e.g., nodA, nodB, or nodI).

Where the enzyme comprises a protease or peptidase, the protease or peptidase can be a protease or peptidase that cleaves proteins, peptides, proproteins, or preproproteins to create a bioactive peptide. The bioactive peptide can be any peptide that exerts a biological activity.

Examples of bioactive peptides include RKN 16D10 and RHPP.

The protease or peptidase that cleaves proteins, peptides, proproteins, or preproproteins to create a bioactive peptide can comprise subtilisin, an acid protease, an alkaline protease, a proteinase, an endopeptidase, an exopeptidase, thermolysin, papain, pepsin, trypsin, pronase, a carboxylase, a serine protease, a glutamic protease, an aspartate protease, a cysteine protease, a threonine protease, or a metalloprotease.

The protease or peptidase can cleave proteins in a protein-rich meal (e.g., soybean meal or yeast extract).

The plant growth stimulating protein can also comprise an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source. Such enzymes include cellulases, lipases, lignin oxidases, proteases, glycoside hydrolases, phosphatases, nitrogenases, nucleases, amidases, nitrate reductases, nitrite reductases, amylases, ammonia oxidases, ligninases, glucosidases, phospholipases, phytases, pectinases, glucanases, sulfatases, ureases, xylanases, and siderophores. When introduced into a plant growth medium or applied to a plant, seed, or an area surrounding a plant or a plant seed, fusion proteins comprising enzymes that degrade or modify a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source can aid in the processing of nutrients in the vicinity of the plant and result in enhanced uptake of nutrients by the plant or by beneficial bacteria or fungi in the vicinity of the plant.

Suitable cellulases include endocellulases (e.g., an endogluconase such as a Bacillus subtilis endoglucanase, a Bacillus thuringiensis endoglucanase, a Bacillus cereus endoglucanase, or a Bacillus clausii endoglucanase), exocellulases (e.g., a Trichoderma reesei exocellulase), and β-glucosidases (e.g., a Bacillus subtilis β-glucosidase, a Bacillus thuringiensis β-glucosidase, a Bacillus cereus β-glucosidase, or a Bacillus clausii β-glucosidase).

The lipase can comprise a Bacillus subtilis lipase, a Bacillus thuringiensis lipase, a Bacillus cereus lipase, or a Bacillus clausii lipase.

In one embodiment, the lipase comprises a Bacillus subtilis lipase. The Bacillus subtilis lipase can be PCR amplified using the following primers: ggatccatggctgaacacaatcc (forward, SEQ ID NO: 37) and ggatccttaattcgtattctggcc (reverse, SEQ ID NO: 38).

In another embodiment, the cellulase is a Bacillus subtilis endoglucanase. The Bacillus subtilis endoglucanase can be PCR amplified using the following primers: ggatccatgaaacggtcaatc (forward, SEQ ID NO: 39) and ggatccttactaatttggttctgt (reverse, SEQ ID NO: 40).

In yet another embodiment, the fusion protein comprises an E. coli protease PtrB. The E. coli protease PtrB can be PCR amplified using the following primers: ggatccatgctaccaaaagcc (forward, SEQ ID NO: 41) and ggatccttagtccgcaggcgtagc (reverse, SEQ ID NO: 42).

In certain embodiments, the fusion protein contains an endoglucanase which derives from the nucleotide sequence in SEQ ID NO: 104.

The amino acid sequence for an exemplary endoglucanase that may be fused to the targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment and, optionally, a linker sequence, such as a poly-A linker, is the fusion protein provided as SEQ ID NO: 107.

In other embodiments, the fusion protein contains a phospholipase that derives from the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 105.

The amino acid sequence for an exemplary phospholipase that may be fused to the targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment and, optionally, a linker sequence, such as a poly-A linker, is the fusion protein provided as SEQ ID NO: 108.

In still other embodiments, the fusion protein contains a chitosanase that derives from the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 106. The amino acid sequence for an exemplary chitosanase that may be fused to the targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment and, optionally, a linker sequence, such as a poly-A linker, in the fusion protein is provided as SEQ ID NO: 109.

To create fusion constructs, genes may be fused to the native bc1A promoter of Bacillus thuringiensis DNA encoding the first 35 amino acids of Bc1A (amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1) using the splicing by overlapping extension (SOE) technique. Correct amplicons are cloned into the E. coli/Bacillus shuttle vector pIIP13, and correct clones screened by DNA sequencing. Correct clones are electroporated into Bacillus thuringiensis (Cry-, plasmid-) and screened for chloramphenicol resistance. Correct transformants are grown in brain heart infusion broth overnight at 30° C., plated onto nutrient agar plates, and incubated at 30° C. for 3 days. Spores expressing the fusion construct (BEMD spores) may be collected off of the plates by washing in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and purified by centrifugation and additional washes in PBS.

In such fusion proteins, the endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity with SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 or 109, respectively.

In such fusion proteins, the endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 90% identity with SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 or 109, respectively.

In such fusion proteins, the endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 95% identity with SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 or 109, respectively.

In such fusion proteins, the endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 98% identity with SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 or 109, respectively.

In such fusion proteins, the endoglucanase, phospholipase or chitosinase can comprise an amino acid sequence having at least 99% identity with SEQ ID NO: 107, 108 or 109, respectively.

Suitable lignin oxidases comprise lignin peroxidases, laccases, glyoxal oxidases, ligninases, and manganese peroxidases.

The protease can comprise a subtilisin, an acid protease, an alkaline protease, a proteinase, a peptidase, an endopeptidase, an exopeptidase, a thermolysin, a papain, a pepsin, a trypsin, a pronase, a carboxylase, a serine protease, a glutamic protease, an aspartate protease, a cysteine protease, a threonine protease, or a metalloprotease.

The phosphatase can comprise a phosphoric monoester hydrolase, a phosphomonoesterase (e.g., PhoA4), a phosphoric diester hydrolase, a phosphodiesterase, a triphosphoric monoester hydrolase, a phosphoryl anhydride hydrolase, a pyrophosphatase, a phytase (e.g., Bacillus subtilis EE148 phytase or Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A phytase), a trimetaphosphatase, or a triphosphatase.

The nitrogenase can comprise a Nif family nitrogenase (e.g., Paenibacillus massiliensis NifBDEHKNXV).

Proteins and Peptides that Protects Plants from Pathogens

The fusion proteins can comprise a targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment, and at least one protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen.

The protein or peptide can comprise a protein or peptide that stimulates a plant immune response. For example, the protein or peptide that stimulates a plant immune response can comprise a plant immune system enhancer protein or peptide. The plant immune system enhancer protein or peptide can be any protein or peptide that has a beneficial effect on the immune system of a plant. Suitable plant immune system enhancer proteins and peptides include harpins, α-elastins, β-elastins, systemins, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, elicitins, defensins, cryptogeins, flagellin proteins, and flagellin peptides (e.g., flg22).

Alternatively, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen can be a protein or peptide that has antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, or both antibacterial and antifungal activity. Examples of such proteins and peptides include bacteriocins, lysozymes, lysozyme peptides (e.g., LysM), siderophores, non-ribosomal active peptides, conalbumins, albumins, lactoferrins, lactoferrin peptides (e.g., LfcinB), streptavidin and TasA.

The protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen can also be a protein or peptide that has insecticidal activity, helminthicidal activity, suppresses insect or worm predation, or a combination thereof. For example, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen can comprise an insecticidal bacterial toxin (e.g., a VIP insecticidal protein), an endotoxin, a Cry toxin (e.g., a Cry toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis), a protease inhibitor protein or peptide (e.g., a trypsin inhibitor or an arrowhead protease inhibitor), a cysteine protease, or a chitinase. Where the Cry toxin is a Cry toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis, the Cry toxin can be a Cry5B protein or a Cry21A protein. Cry5B and Cry21A have both insecticidal and nematocidal activity.

The protein that protects a plant from a pathogen can comprise an enzyme. Suitable enzymes include proteases and lactonases. The proteases and lactonases can be specific for a bacterial signaling molecule (e.g., a bacterial lactone homoserine signaling molecule).

Where the enzyme is a lactonase, the lactonase can comprise 1,4-lactonase, 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylate lactonase, 3-oxoadipate enol-lactonase, actinomycin lactonase, deoxylimonate A-ring-lactonase, gluconolactonase L-rhamnono-1,4-lactonase, limonin-D-ring-lactonase, steroid-lactonase, triacetate-lactonase, or xylono-1,4-lactonase.

The enzyme can also be an enzyme that is specific for a cellular component of a bacterium or fungus. For example, the enzyme can comprise a β-1,3-glucanase, a β-1,4-glucanase, a β-1,6-glucanase, a chitosinase, a chitinase, a chitosinase-like enzyme, a lyticase, a peptidase, a proteinase, a protease (e.g., an alkaline protease, an acid protease, or a neutral protease), a mutanolysin, a stapholysin, or a lysozyme.

Proteins and Peptides that Enhance Stress Resistance in Plants

The fusion proteins can comprise a targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment and at least one protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant.

For example, the protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant comprises an enzyme that degrades a stress-related compound. Stress-related compounds include, but are not limited to, aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, oxylipins, and phenolics. Specific reactive oxygen species include hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, and superoxide. The enzyme that degrades a stress-related compound can comprise a superoxide dismutase, an oxidase, a catalase, an aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase, a peroxidase, an antioxidant enzyme, or an antioxidant peptide.

The protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant can also comprise a protein or peptide that protects a plant from an environmental stress. The environmental stress can comprise, for example, drought, flood, heat, freezing, salt, heavy metals, low pH, high pH, or a combination thereof. For instance, the protein or peptide that protects a plant from an environmental stress can comprises an ice nucleation protein, a prolinase, a phenylalanine ammonia lyase, an isochorismate synthase, an isochorismate pyruvate lyase, or a choline dehydrogenase.

Plant Binding Proteins and Peptides

The fusion proteins can comprise a targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment and at least plant binding protein or peptide. The plant binding protein or peptide can be any protein or peptide that is capable of specifically or non-specifically binding to any part of a plant (e.g., a plant root or an aerial portion of a plant such as a leaf, stem, flower, or fruit) or to plant matter. Thus, for example, the plant binding protein or peptide can be a root binding protein or peptide, or a leaf binding protein or peptide.

Suitable plant binding proteins and peptides include adhesins (e.g., rhicadhesin), flagellins, omptins, lectins, expansins, biofilm structural proteins (e.g., TasA or YuaB) pilus proteins, curlus proteins, intimins, invasins, agglutinins, and afimbrial proteins.

Recombinant Bacillus that Express the Fusion Proteins

The fusion proteins described herein can be expressed by recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells. The fusion protein can be any of the fusion proteins discussed above.

The recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can coexpress two or more of any of the fusion proteins discussed above. For example, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can coexpress at least one fusion protein that comprises a plant binding protein or peptide, together with at least one fusion protein comprising a plant growth stimulating protein or peptide, at least one fusion protein comprising a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen, or at least one protein or peptide that enhances stress resistance in a plant.

The recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can comprise Bacillus anthracis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus samanii, Bacillus gaemokensis, Bacillus weihenstephensis, Bacillus toyoiensis or a combination thereof. For example, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can comprise Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus pseudomycoides, or Bacillus mycoides. In particular, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can comprise Bacillus thuringiensis or Bacillus mycoides.

To generate a recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells expressing a fusion protein, any Bacillus cereus family member can be conjugated, transduced, or transformed with a vector encoding the fusion protein using standard methods known in the art (e.g., by electroporation). The bacteria can then be screened to identify transformants by any method known in the art. For example, where the vector includes an antibiotic resistance gene, the bacteria can be screened for antibiotic resistance. Alternatively, DNA encoding the fusion protein can be integrated into the chromosomal DNA of a B. cereus family member host. The recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can then exposed to conditions which will induce sporulation. Suitable conditions for inducing sporulation are known in the art. For example, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can be plated onto agar plates, and incubated at a temperature of about 30° C. for several days (e.g., 3 days).

Inactivated strains, non-toxic strains, or genetically manipulated strains of any of the above species can also suitably be used. For example, a Bacillus thuringiensis that lacks the Cry toxin can be used. Alternatively or in addition, once the recombinant B. cereus family spores expressing the fusion protein have been generated, they can be inactivated to prevent further germination once in use. Any method for inactivating bacterial spores that is known in the art can be used. Suitable methods include, without limitation, heat treatment, gamma irradiation, x-ray irradiation, UV-A irradiation, UV-B irradiation, chemical treatment (e.g., treatment with gluteraldehyde, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, bleach, or any combination thereof), or a combination thereof. Alternatively, spores derived from nontoxigenic strains, or genetically or physically inactivated strains, can be used.

Recombinant Exosporium-Producing Bacillus Cells Having Plant-Growth Promoting Effects and/or Other Beneficial Attributes

Many Bacillus cereus family member strains have inherent beneficial attributes. For example, some strains have plant-growth promoting effects. Any of the fusion proteins described herein can be expressed in such strains.

For example, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can comprise a plant-growth promoting strain of bacteria.

The plant-growth promoting strain of bacteria can comprise a strain of bacteria that produces an insecticidal toxin (e.g., a Cry toxin), produces a fungicidal compound (e.g., a β-1,3-glucanase, a chitosinase, a lyticase, or a combination thereof), produces a nematocidal compound (e.g., a Cry toxin), produces a bacteriocidal compound, is resistant to one or more antibiotics, comprises one or more freely replicating plasmids, binds to plant roots, colonizes plant roots, forms biofilms, solubilizes nutrients, secretes organic acids, or any combination thereof.

For example, where the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells comprises a plant-growth promoting strain of bacteria, the plant growth-promoting strain of bacteria can comprise Bacillus mycoides BT155 (NRRL No. B-50921), Bacillus mycoides EE118 (NRRL No. 13-50918), Bacillus mycoides EE141 (NRRL No. 13-50916), Bacillus mycoides BT46-3 (NRRL No. B-50922), Bacillus cereus family member EE128 (NRRL No. B-50917), Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A (NRRL No. B-50924), or Bacillus cereus family member EE349 (NRRL No. B-50928). Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A is also known as Bacillus thuringiensis 4Q7. Each of these strains was deposited with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), having the address 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Ill. 61604, U.S.A., on Mar. 10, 2014, and is identified by the NRRL deposit number provided in parentheses. These deposits will be maintained under the terms of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. Access to these deposits will be available during the pendency of the application to the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks and persons determined by the Commissioner to be entitled thereto upon request. Upon allowance of any claims in the application the Applicants will make available to the public, pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.808, sample(s) of the deposit with the NRRL.

These plant-growth promoting strains were isolated from the rhizospheres of various vigorous plants and were identified by their 16S rRNA sequences, and through biochemical assays. The strains were identified at least to their genus designation by means of conventional biochemistry and morphological indicators. Biochemical assays for confirmed Gram-positive strains such as Bacillus included growth on PEA medium and nutrient agar, microscopic examination, growth on 5% and 7.5% NaCl medium, growth at pH 5 and pH 9, growth at 42° C. and 50° C., the ability to produce acid upon fermentation with cellobiose, lactose, glycerol, glucose, sucrose, d-mannitol, and starch; fluorescent pigment production; gelatin hydrolysis; nitrate reduction; catalase production, starch hydrolysis; oxidase reaction, urease production and motility.

For example, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells comprising a plant-growth promoting strain of bacteria can comprise Bacillus mycoides BT155, Bacillus mycoides EE141, or Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A. The recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can express any of the fusion proteins described herein, e.g., a fusion protein comprising the targeting sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60 and a non-hormone peptide (e.g., kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI)), an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound (e.g., a chitosinase), a plant binding protein or peptide (e.g., TasA); a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen (e.g., TasA), or an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source (e.g., a phosphatase such as PhoA or phytase, or an endoglucanase).

Promoters

In any of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells described herein, the fusion protein can be expressed under the control of a promoter that is native to the targeting sequence, the exosporium protein, or the exosporium protein fragment of the fusion protein. For example, where the fusion protein comprises a targeting sequence derived from B. anthracis Sterne Bc1A (e.g., amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 1, or SEQ ID NO: 60) or where the fusion protein comprises full length Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 2) or a fragment of full length Bc1A (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59), the fusion protein can be expressed under the control of a promoter that is normally associated with the Bc1A gene in the genome of B. anthracis Sterne (e.g., the promoter of SEQ ID NO: 85).

Alternatively, the fusion protein can be expressed under the control of a high-expression sporulation promoter. In some cases, the promoter that is native to the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment will be a high-expression sporulation promoter. In other cases, the promoter that is native to the targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment will not be a high-expression sporulation promoter. In the latter cases, it may be advantageous to replace the native promoter with a high-expression sporulation promoter. Expression of the fusion protein under the control of a high-expression sporulation promoter provides for increased expression of the fusion protein on the exosporium of the Bacillus cereus family member.

The high-expression sporulation promoter can comprise one or more sigma-K sporulation-specific polymerase promoter sequences.

Suitable high-expression sporulation promoters for use in expressing the fusion proteins in a Bacillus cereus family member include those listed in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 Promoter Sequences Promoter (SEQ ID NO.) Sequence BclA promoter TAATCACCCTCTTCCAAATCAAT CATATGT (B. anthracis TA TA CATATACTA AACTTTCCATTTTTTTA Sterne) AATTGTTCAAGTAGTTTAAGATTTCTTTTC (SEQ ID NO: 85) AATAATTCAAATGTCCGTGTCATTTTCTTT CGGTTTTG CATCTACTA TATAATGAACGCT TTATGGAGGTGAATTTATG BetA promoter ATTTATTTCATTCAATTTTTCCTATTTAGT (B. anthracis ACCTACCGCACTCACAAAAAGCACCTCTCA Sterne) TTAATTTATATTATAGTCATTGAAATCTAA (SEQ ID NO: 86) TTTAATGAAATCAT CATACTATA TGTTTTA TAAGAAGTAAAGGTAC CATACTTAA TTAAT ACATATCTATACACTTCAATATCACAGCAT GCAGTTGAATTATATCCAACTTTCATTTCA AATTAAATAAGTGCCTCCGCTATTGTGAAT GTCATTTACTCTCCCTACTA CATTTAATA A TTATGACAAGCAATCATAGGAGGTTACTAC ATG BAS1882 AATTACATAACAAGAACTACATTAGGGAGC promoter AAGCAGTCTAGCGAAAGCTAACTGCTTTTT (B. anthracis TATTAAATAACTATTTTATTAAATTTCATA Sterne) TATACAATCGCTTGTCCATTTCATTTGGCT (SEQ ID NO: 87) CTACCCACG CATTTACTA TTAGTAATATGA ATTTTTCAGAGGTGGATTTTATT Gene 3572 CTATGATTTAAGATACACAATAGCAAAAGA promoter GAAA CATATTATA TAACGATAAATGAAACT (B. TATGTATATGTATGGTAACTGTATATATTA weihenstephensis CTACAATACAGTATACTCATAGGAGGTAGG KBAB 4) TATG (SEQ ID NO: 88) YVTN β- GGTAGGTAGATTTGAAATATGATGAAGAAA propeller protein AGGAATAACTAAAAGGAGTCGATATCCGAC promoter TCCTTTTAGTTATAAATAATGTGGAATTAG (B. AGTATAATTTTATATAGGTATATTGTATTA weihenstephensis GATGAACGCTTTATCCTTTAATTGTGATTA KBAB 4) ATGATGGATTGTAAGAGAAGGGGCTTACAG (SEQ ID NO: 89) TCCTTTTTTTATGGTGTTCTATAAGCCTTT TTAAAAGGGGTACCACCCCACACCCAAAAA CAGGGGGGGTTATAACTACATATTGGATGT TTTGTAACGTACAAGAATCGGTATTAATTA CCCTGTAAATAAGTTATGTGTATATAAGGT AACTT TATATATTC TCCTACAATAAAATAA AGGAGGTAATAAAGTG Cry1A promoter AACCCTTAATGCATTGGTTAAACATTGTAA (B. thuringiensis AGTCTAAAGCATGGATAATGGGCGAGAAGT HD-73) AAGTAGATTGTTAACACCCTGGGTCAAAAA (SEQ ID NO: 90) TTGATATTTAGTAAAATTAGTTGCACTTTG TGCATTTTTT CATAAGATG AGT CATATGTT T TAAATTGTAGTAATGAAAAACAGTATTAT ATCATAATGA A TTGGTATCTTAATAAAAGA GATGGAGGTAACTTA ExsY promoter TAATTCCACCTTCCCTTATCCTCTTTCGCC (B. thuringiensis TATTTAAAAAAAGGTCTTGAGATTGTGACC serovar AAATCTCCTCAACTCC AATATCTTA TTAAT konkukian str. GTAAATACAAACAAGAAGATAAGGAGTGAC 97-27) ATTAA (SEQ ID NO: 91) CotY promoter AGGATGTCTTTTTTTATATTGTATTATGTA (B. thuringiensis CATCCCTACTATATAAATTCCCTGCTTTTA Al Hakam) TCGTAAGAATTAACGTAATATCAACCATAT (SEQ ID NO: 92) CCCGTT CATATTGTA GTAGTGTATGTCAGA ACTCACGAGAAGGAGTGAACATAA YjcA promoter TTAATGTCACTCCTTATCTTCTTGTTTGTA (B. thuringiensis TTTACATT AATAAGATA TTGGAGTTGAGGA serovar kurstaki GATTTGGTCACAATCTCAAGACCTTTTTTT str. HD73) TAAATAGGCGAAAGAGGATAAGGGAAGGTG (SEQ ID NO: 93) GAATTA YjcB promoter ATATATTTTCATAATACGAGAAAAAGCGGA (B. thuringiensis GTTTAAAAGAATGAGGGAACGGAAATAAAG serovar kurstaki AGTTGTT CATATAGTA AATAGACAGAATTG str. HD73) ACAGTAGAGGAGA (SEQ ID NO: 94) BxpB promoter AAACTAAATAATGAGCTAAGCATGGATTGG (B. thuringiensis GTGGCAGAATTATCTGCCACCCAATC CATG Al Hakam) CTTAA CGAGTATTATTATGTAAATTTCTTA (SEQ ID NO: 95) AAATTGGGAACTTGTCTAGAACATAGAACC TGTCCTTTT CATTAACTG AAAGTAGAAACA GATAAAGGAGTGAAAAACA Rhamnose ATTCACTACAACGGGGATGAGTTTGATGCG promoter (B. GATA CATATGAGA AGTACCGGAAAGTGTTT thuringiensis GTAGAA CATTACAA AGATATATTATCTCCA Al Hakam) TCATAAAGGAGAGATGCAAAG (SEQ ID NO: 96) CotY/CotZ CGCGCACCACTTCGTCGTACAACAACGCAA promoter (B. GAAGAAGTTGGGGATACAGCAGTATTCTTA anthracis TTCAGTGATTTAGCACGCGGCGTAACAGGA Sterne) GAAAACATTCACGTTGATTCAGGGTAT CAT (SEQ ID NO: 97) ATCTTA GGATAAATATAATATTAATTTTAA AGGACAATCTCTACATGTTGAGATTGTCCT TTTTATTTGTTCTTAGAAAGAACGATTTTT AACGAAAGTTCTTACCACGTTATGAATATA AGTATAATAGTACACGATTTATTCAGCTAC GTA BclC promoter TGAAGTATCTAGAGCTAATTTACGCAAAGG (B. anthracis AATCTCAGGACAACACTTTCGCAACACCTA Sterne) TATTTTAAATTTAATAAAAAAAGAGACTCC (SEQ ID NO: 98) GGAGTCAGAAATTATAAAGCTAGCTGGGTT CAAATCAAAAATTTCACTAAAACGATATTA TCAATACGCAGAAAATGGAAAAAACGCCTT ATCATAAGGCGTTTTTTCCATTTTTTCTTC AAACAAACGATTTTACTATGACCATTTAAC TAATTTTTG CATCTACTA TGATGAGTTTCA TTCACATTCTCATTAGAAAGGAGAGATTTA ATG Sigma K TATATCATATGTAAAATTAGTTCTTATTCC promoter CA CATATCATA TAGAATCGC CATATTATA C (B. anthracis ATGCAGAAAACTAAGTATGGTATTATTCTT Sterne) AAATTGTTTAGCACCTTCTAATATTACAGA (SEQ ID NO: 99) TAGAATCCGTCATTTTCAACAGTGAACATG GATTTCTTCTGAACACAACTCTTTTTCTTT CCTTATTTCCAAAAAGAAAAGCAGCCCATT TTAAAATACGGCTGCTTGTAATGTACATTA InhA promoter TATCACATAACTCTTTATTTTTAATATTTC (B. thuringiensis GA CATAAAGTG AAACTTTAATCAGTGGGGG Al Hakam) CTTTGTTCATCCCCCCACTGATTATTAATT (SEQ ID NO: 100) GAACCAAGGGATAAAAAGATAGAGGGTCTG ACCAGAAAACTGGAGGGCATGATTCTATAA CAAAAAGCTTAATGTTTATAGAATTATGTC TTTTTATATAGGGAGGGTAGTAAACAGAGA TTTGGACAAAAATGCACCGATTTATCTGAA TTTTAAGTTTTATAAAGGGGAGAAATG BclA cluster ATTTTTTACTTAGCAGTAAAACTGATATCA glycosyl GTTTTACTGCTTTTTCATTTTTAAATTCAA transferase TCATTAAATCTTCCTTTTCTACATAGT CAT operon 1 AATGTT GTATGACATTCCGTAGGAGGCACT (B. thuringiensis TATA serovar konkukian str. 97-27) (SEQ ID NO: 101) BclA cluster ACATAAATTCACCTCCATAAAGCGTTCATT glycosyl ATATAGTAGATGCAAAACCGAAAGAAAATG transferase ACACGGACATTTGAATTATTGAAAAGAAAT operon 2 CTTAAACTACTTGAACAATTTAAAAAAATG (B. thuringiensis GAAAGTTTAGTATATGTATAA CATATGATT serovar kurstaki GATTTGGAAGAGGGTGATTA str. HD73) (SEQ ID NO: 102) Glycosyl TTCTATTTTCCAA CATAACATG CTACGATT transferase AAATGGTTTTTTGCAAATGCCTTCTTGGGA promoter AGAAGGATTAGAGCGTTTTTTTATAGAAAC (B. thuringiensis CAAAAGTCATTAACAATTTTAAGTTAATGA Al Hakam) CTTTTTTGTTTGCCTTTAAGAGGTTTTATG (SEQ ID NO: 103) TTACTATAATTATAGTATCAGGTACTAATA ACAAGTATAAGTATTTCTGGGAGGATATAT CA

In the promoter sequences listed in Table 2 above, the locations of the sigma-K sporulation-specific polymerase promoter sequences are indicated by bold and underlined text. The Cry1A promoter (B. thuringiensis HD-73; SEQ ID NO: 90) has a total of four sigma-K sequences, two of which overlap with one another, as indicated by the double underlining in Table 2.

Preferred high-expression sporulation promoters for use in expressing the fusion proteins in a Bacillus cereus family member include the BetA promoter (B. anthracis Sterne; SEQ ID NO: 86), the Bc1A promoter (B. anthracis Sterne; SEQ ID NO: 85), the Bc1A cluster glycosyl transferase operons 1 and 2 promoters (B. anthracis Sterne; SEQ ID NOS: 101 and 102), and the YVTN β-propeller protein promoter (B. weihenstephensis KBAB 4; SEQ ID NO: 89).

In any of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells described herein, the fusion protein can be expressed under the control of a sporulation promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence having at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identity with a nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 85-103.

When the sporulation promoter comprising a nucleic acid sequence having at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, or at least 99% identity with a nucleic acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 85-103, the sigma-K sporulation-specific polymerase promoter sequence or sequences preferably have 100% identity with the corresponding nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, or 103. For example, as illustrated in Table 2 above, the Bc1A promoter of B. anthracis Sterne (SEQ ID NO: 85) has sigma-K sporulation-specific polymerase promoter sequences at nucleotides 24-32, 35-43, and 129-137. Thus, if the sporulation promoter comprises a sequence having at least 90% identity with the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, it is preferred that the nucleotides of the sporulation promoter corresponding to nucleotides 24-32, 35-43, and 129-137 of SEQ ID NO: 85 have 100% identity with nucleotides 24-32, 35-43, and 129-137 of SEQ ID NO: 85.

In any of the methods described herein for stimulating plant growth, plants grown in the plant growth medium comprising the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and at least one further biological control agent selected from the particular microorganisms disclosed herein exhibit increased growth as compared to the growth of plants in the identical plant growth medium that does not contain the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells.

In any of the compositions and methods described herein for stimulating plant growth, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can comprise any of the recombinant plant-growth promoting strains of bacteria described above.

In any of the compositions or methods for stimulating plant growth disclosed herein, the fusion protein can be expressed under the control of any of the promoters described above.

Synthetic Nodulation Factors and Plant Growth Stimulators

In some embodiments, the compositions comprising recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein and at least one of the biological control agents described herein further comprise a synthetic nodulation factor and/or plant growth stimulator. A non-limiting example of such a synthetic compound is a compound of general formula (I)

wherein:

-   -   n is 2 or 3;     -   A is —C(O)—;     -   B is a phenylene;     -   C is —O—;     -   D is a linear hydrocarbon-based chain comprising 11 carbons,         which is saturated or unsaturated between carbons 4 and 5;     -   E and G are independently selected from the group consisting of         a substituent NHR20;     -   R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R9 are H;     -   R8 is selected from the group consisting of H, fucosyl,         methylfucosyl, SO₃H, SO₃Li, SO₃Na, SO₃K, and SO₃N(C₁₋₈-alkyl)₄;     -   R20 is C(O)C₁₋₆-alkyl; and     -   any agriculturally acceptable geometrical and/or optical isomer,         enantiomer and/or diastereoisomer, tautomer, salt, N-oxide,         sulfoxide, or sulfone thereof.

The salt may be selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, and tetraalkylammonium salts.

In certain embodiments, E and G are NHC(O)CH₃.

In other embodiments, R8 is selected from the group consisting of H, SO₃H, SO₃Li, SO₃Na, SO₃K, SO₃N(C₁₋₈alkyl)₄ and a substituent of formula:

-   -   wherein:     -   R26 is selected from the group consisting of H and CH₃; and     -   R27 and R28 are independently selected from the group consisting         of H, C(O)CH₃, SO₃H, SO₃Li, SO₃Na, SO₃K and SO₃N(C₁₋₈alkyl)₄.

In some aspects, R26, R27, and R28 are all hydrogen.

Additional non-limiting examples of a synthetic nodulation factor and/or plant growth stimulator that can be used in the present invention include compounds of the structural formulae:

-   -   in which, when it is present, M is selected from the group         consisting of H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and (C₁₋₈alkyl)₄N⁺.

In certain aspects, the synthetic nodulation factor and/or plant growth stimulator is a compound selected from the group consisting of:

Additional Biological Control Agents

Biological control agents can include, in particular, bacteria, fungi or yeasts, protozoa, viruses, entomopathogenic nematodes, inoculants and botanicals and/or mutants of them having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens. The present invention relates to the combinations of the above-described recombinant Bacillus cells with the particular biological control agents described herein and/or to mutants of specific strains of microorganisms described herein, where the mutants have all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens or promotes plant growth and/or enhances plant health.

The bacterial cells, spores and metabolites in culture broth resulting from fermentation (the “whole broth” or “fermentation broth”) of the particular microorganisms described herein may be used directly or concentrated by conventional industrial methods, such as centrifugation, filtration, and evaporation, or processed into dry powder and granules by spray drying, drum drying and freeze drying, for example.

The terms “whole broth” and “fermentation broth,” as used herein, refer to the culture broth resulting from fermentation before any downstream treatment. The whole broth encompasses the microorganism and its component parts, unused raw substrates, and metabolites produced by the microorganism during fermentation. The term “broth concentrate,” as used herein, refers to whole broth (fermentation broth) that has been concentrated by conventional industrial methods, as described above, but remains in liquid form. The term “fermentation solid,” as used herein, refers to dried fermentation broth. The term “fermentation product,” as used herein, refers to whole broth, broth concentrate and/or fermentation solids. Compositions of the present invention include fermentation products. In some embodiments, the concentrated fermentation broth is washed, for example, via a diafiltration process, to remove residual fermentation broth and metabolites.

In another embodiment, the fermentation broth or broth concentrate can be dried with or without the addition of carriers, inerts, or additives using conventional drying processes or methods such as spray drying, freeze drying, tray drying, fluidized-bed drying, drum drying, or evaporation.

According to the invention, biological control agents, which are summarized under the term “bacteria”, include spore-forming, root-colonizing bacteria, or bacteria and their metabolites useful as biological insecticides, -nematicides, miticides, or -fungicide or soil amendments improving plant health and growth. Bacteria to be used or employed according to the invention follow.

B. cereus strains, including strain CNCM 1-1562 (cf. U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,690), Bacillus firmus, Bacillus pumilus, in particular strain GB34 (products known as YIELD SHIELD®), and strain QST2808 (products known as SONATA® QST2808) Bacillus subtilis, in particular strain GB03 (products known as KODIAK®), strain QST713 (products known as SERENADE® QST713), strain AQ30002 (aka QST30002; NRRL Accession No. B-50421, known from WO 2012/087980, which is incorporated herein by reference), strain AQ30004 (aka QST30004; NRRL Accession No. B-50455, known from WO 2012/087980, which is incorporated herein by reference), strain AQ743 (NRRL Accession No. B-21665), strain AQ153 (ATCC Accession No. 55614 as described in WO 98/21964), (1.79) Streptomyces galbus strain AQ 6047 (Accession Number NRRL 30232), (1.91) Rhodococcus globerulus AQ719 (NRRL Accession No. B-21663), (1.92) Bacillus sp. AQ175 (ATCC Accession No. 55608), (1.93) Bacillus sp. AQ 177 (ATCC Accession No. 55609), (1.94) Bacillus sp. AQ178 (ATCC Accession No. 53522), (1.95) Streptomyces sp. strain described in WO 02/26041 A2 (NRRL Accession No. B-30145), (1.96) Streptomyces microflavus strain NRRL B-50550, (1.97) Streptomyces microflavus strain M (Accession No. 091013-02), gougerotin-containing fermentation products of Streptomyces, as described in WO2014/059275, and Streptomyces galbus QST6047, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,925.

In a particular embodiment the following bacteria are used in combination with the exosporium-producing recombinant Bacillus cells described above:

Bacillus firmus, in particular strain 1-1582 (products known as Bionem, Votivo, Flocter),

Bacillus pumilus, in particular strain GB34 (products known as YIELD SHIELD®), and strain QST2808 (products known as SONATA® QST2808),

Bacillus subtilis, in particular strain GB03 (products known as KODIAK®), strain QST713 (products known as SERENADE® QST713); NRRL Accession No. B-50455, known from WO 2012/087980, which is incorporated herein by reference), or B. subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24 (products known as TAEGRO®), strain AQ743 (NRRL Accession No. B-21665), strain AQ153 (ATCC Accession No. 55614 as described in WO 98/21964),

In one embodiment the composition of the present invention comprises a combination of at least one of the particular biological control agents described herein and at least one further biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus chitinosporus AQ746 (NRRL Accession No. B-21618), Bacillus mycoides AQ726 (NRRL Accession No. B-21664), Bacillus pumilus QST2808 (NRRL Accession No. B-30087), Bacillus pumilus AQ717 (NRRL Accession No. B-21662), Bacillus sp. AQ175 (ATCC Accession No. 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ177 (ATCC Accession No. 55609), Bacillus sp. AQ178 (ATCC Accession No. 53522), Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (NRRL Accession No. B-21665), Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ153 (ATCC Accession No. 55614), Muscodor albus 620 (NRRL Accession No. 30547), Muscodor roseus A3-5 (NRRL Accession No. 30548), Rhodococcus globerulus AQ719 (NRRL Accession No. B-21663), Streptomyces galbus (NRRL Accession No. 30232), Streptomyces sp. (NRRL Accession No. B-30145), Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (NRRL Accession No. B-50421), and Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (NRRL Accession No. B-50455) and/or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

Said further biological control agents are known in the art as follows:

Bacillus chitinosporus AQ746 (NRRL Accession No. B-21618) is known from WO 98/21966 A2. It is specifically active against nematodes and insects and produces non-exotoxin, non-proteinaceous, active metabolites in its supernatant. Those metabolites are active against nematodes and cockroaches, but inactive against flies, corn rootworm or beet armyworm.

Bacillus mycoides AQ726 (NRRL Accession No. B-21664) and its water-soluble metabolites kill or stunt insects such as corn rootworm larvae and aphids (WO 99/09820 A1).

As described in WO 00/58442 A1 Bacillus pumilus QST2808 (NRRL Accession No. B-30087) is able to inhibit a broad range of fungal plant diseases in vivo. Commercially available formulations of this strain are sold under the tradenames SONATA® and BALLAD® PLUS from Bayer CropScience LP (North Carolina, USA).

Bacillus pumilus AQ717 (NRRL Accession B-21662) is known from WO 99/10477 A1. It produces a metabolite that exhibits pesticidal activity against corn rootworms, nematodes and beet armyworms.

The bacterial strains Bacillus sp. AQ175 (ATCC Accession No. 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ177 (ATCC Accession No. 55609) and Bacillus sp. AQ178 (ATCC Accession No. 53522) described in WO 98/21967 A1 are effective in treating and protecting plants from aboveground fungal and bacterial infections.

The metabolite-producing strain Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (NRRL Accession No. B-21665) kills or stunts corn rootworm larvae, beet armyworm larvae, fly adults and nematodes (cf. WO 99/09819).

Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (Accession No. B-21661), also named Bacillus subtilis QST713, exhibits broad fungicidal and bactericidal activity and also exhibits corn rootworm activity (WO 98/50422 A1). Commercially available formulation of this strain are available under the tradenames SERENADE® MAX, SERENADE SOIL®, SERENADE® ASO, SERENADE® CPB and RHAPSODY® from Bayer CropScience LP (North Carolina, USA). The SERENADE® product (U.S. EPA Registration No. 69592-12) contains a patented strain of Bacillus subtilis (strain QST713) and many different lipopeptides that work synergistically to destroy disease pathogens and provide superior antimicrobial activity. The SERENADE® product is used to protect plants such as vegetables, fruit, nut and vine crops against diseases such as Fire Blight, Botrytis, Sour Rot, Rust, Sclerotinia, Powdery Mildew, Bacterial Spot and White Mold. The SERENADE® products are available as either liquid or dry formulations which can be applied as a foliar and/or soil treatment. Copies of U.S. EPA Master Labels for the SERENADE® products, including SERENADE® ASO, SERENADE® MAX, and SERENADE SOIL®, are publicly available through National Pesticide Information Retrieval System's (NPIRSv) USEPA/OPP Pesticide Product Label System (PPLS).

SERENADE® ASO (Aqueous Suspension-Organic) contains 1.34% of dried QST713 as an active ingredient and 98.66% of other ingredients. SERENADE® ASO is formulated to contain a minimum of 1×10⁹ cfu/g of QST713 while the maximum amount of QST713 has been determined to be 3.3×10¹⁰ cfu/g. For further information, see the U.S. EPA Master Labels for SERENADE® ASO dated Jan. 4, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

SERENADE® MAX contains 14.6% of dried QST713 as an active ingredient and 85.4% of other ingredients. SERENADE® MAX is formulated to contain a minimum of 7.3×10⁹ cfu/g of QST713 while the maximum amount of QST713 has been determined to be 7.9×10¹⁰ cfu/g. For further information, see the U.S. EPA Master Label for SERENADE® MAX, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Bacillus subtilis AQ153 (ATCC Accession No. 55614) as described in WO 98/21964 A1 is effective in inhibiting growth of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

WO 02/02082898 A1 describes endophytic fungi including Muscodor albus 620, also known as Muscodor albus QST20799 (NRRL Accession No. 30547) and Muscodor roseus A3-5 (NRRL Accession No. 30548) that produce a mixture of volatile antibiotics with activity against fungi, bacteria, insects and nematodes.

Rhodococcus globerulus AQ719 (NRRL Accession No. B-21663) produces metabolites that exhibits pesticidal activity against corn rootworms (U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,723 A).

WO 01/79480 A2 describes a strain of Streptomyces galbus (NRRL Accession No. 30232) which shows insecticidal activity against Lepidoptera.

The Streptomyces sp. strain described in WO 02/26041 A2 (NRRL Accession No. B-30145) exhibits antifungal activity on specific plant pathogens such as Alternaria, Phytophthora, Botrytis, Rhizoctonia and Sclerotinia.

The strains Bacillus subtilis AQ30002 (also known as QST30002) (NRRL Accession No. B-50421, deposited on Oct. 5, 2010) and Bacillus subtilis AQ30004 (also known as QST30004) (NRRL Accession No. B-50455, deposited on Oct. 5, 2010) are known from WO 2012/087980 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. As described therein, these BCAs exhibit a broad fungicidal and bactericidal activity. B19 and B20 have a mutation in the swrA gene that results in impaired swarming ability and enhanced plant health promotion compared to a strain containing a wildtype swrA gene. The mutation causes these BCAs to form a more robust biofilm than the wildtype strain, thereby enhancing its fungicidal and bactericidal activity.

In some embodiments, the biological control agent is a Bacillus subtilis strain, such as Bacillus subtilis QST713, which produces a fengycin-type compound, an iturin-type compound, and/or a surfactin-type compound. In some aspects, the lipopeptide is a fengycin-type compound such as plipastatin A1, plipastatin B1, plipastatin B2, fengycin A, fengycin B, agrastatin 1, or agrastatin 2. In other aspects, the lipopeptide is an iturin-type compound such as iturin A, mycosubtilin, or bacillomycin.

Other lipopeptide-producing strains that are suitable for use in the compositions and methods of the present invention include Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (available as BACSTAR® from Etec Crop Solutions, NZ and also available as DOUBLE NICKEL™ from Certis, US); Bacillus subtilis MBI600 (available as SUBTILEX® from Becker Underwood, U.S. EPA Reg. No. 71840-8); Bacillus subtilis Y1336 (available as BIOBAC® WP from Bion-Tech, Taiwan, registered as a biological fungicide in Taiwan under Registration Nos. 4764, 5454, 5096 and 5277); Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, in particular strain FZB42 (available as RHIZOVITAL® from ABiTEP, DE); and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 is available from Novozymes Biologicals Inc. (Salem, Va.) or Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC (Greensboro, N.C.) as the fungicide TAEGRO® or TAEGRO® ECO (EPA Registration No. 70127-5).

In some embodiments, the biological control agent in the synergistic combinations of the present invention is:

Bacillus firmus, including strain 1-1582 (products known as Bionem, Votivo, Flocter), disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,690 (which is herein incorporated by reference) and deposited with the CNCM on May 29, 1995, with Accession No. CNCM I-1582,

Bacillus pumilus, including strain GB34 (products known as YIELD SHIELD®) and strain QST2808 (products known as SONATA® QST2808),

Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, including those that produce lipopeptides and, in particular, a combination of plipastatins or fengycins, surfactins and/or iturins. Also, as to Bacillus subtilis, in particular strain GB03 (products known as KODIAK®, c.f. U.S. EPA, Pesticide Fact Sheet—Bacillus subtilis GB03 1992), strain QST713 (products known as SERENADE® QST713), strain AQ30002 (aka QST30002; NRRL Accession No. B-50421, known from WO 2012/087980, which is incorporated herein by reference), and strain AQ30004 (aka QST30004; NRRL Accession No. B-50455, known from WO 2012/087980, which is incorporated herein by reference).

According to the invention biological control agents which may be comprised in the composition of the invention and that are summarized under the term “fungi” or “yeasts” are the following organisms and and/or mutants of them having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or metabolites produced by the respective strain that exhibit activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens (the numbering is used in the complete description):

Muscodor albus, in particular strain QST20799 (products known as ARABESQUE™ or ANDANTE™), Coniothyrium minitans, in particular strain CON/M/91-8 (products known as CONTANS®), Lagenidium giganteum (products known as LAGINEX® by AgraQuest, Inc.), Paecilomyces lilacinus, in particular spores of P. lilacinus strain 251 (products known as BIOACT®, cf. Crop Protection 2008, 27, 352-361).

According to one embodiment of the present invention the biological control agent comprises not only the pure cultures of the respective microorganisms, but also their suspensions in a whole broth culture or a metabolite-containing supernatant or a purified metabolite obtained from whole broth culture of the strain. “Whole broth culture” refers to a liquid culture containing both cells and media. “Supernatant” refers to the liquid broth remaining when cells grown in broth are removed by centrifugation, filtration, sedimentation, or other means well known in the art.

The above-mentioned metabolites produced by the nonpathogenic microorganisms include antibiotics, enzymes, siderophores and growth promoting agents, for example zwittermicin-A, kanosamine, polyoxine, enzymes such as α-amylase, chitinases, and pektinases, phytohormones and precursors thereof, such as auxines, gibberlin-like substances, cytokinin-like compounds, lipopeptides such as iturins, plipastatins or surfactins, e.g., agrastatin A, bacillomycin D, bacilysin, difficidin, macrolactin, fengycin, bacilysin and bacillaene.

According to the invention, the biological control agents described herein may be employed or used in any physiologic state such as active or dormant.

Compositions According to the Present Invention

According to the present invention the composition comprises a) a recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that expresses a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of an enzyme involved in the production or activation of a plant growth stimulating compound; an enzyme that degrades or modifies a bacterial, fungal, or plant nutrient source; and a protein or peptide that protects a plant from a pathogen; and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cereus family member; and b) at least one further and different particular biological control agent disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount.

A “synergistically effective amount” according to the present invention represents a quantity of a combination of a recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that expresses a fusion protein and at least one further particular biological control agent described herein that is more effective against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens than the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that expresses a fusion protein or such further biological control agent alone. A “synergistically effective amount” according to the present invention also represents a quantity of a combination of a recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that expresses a fusion protein and at least one further particular biological control agent described herein that is more effective at enhancing plant growth and/or promoting plant health than the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that expresses a fusion protein or such further biological control agent alone.

The present invention comprises each and every combination of each of the further particular biological control agents described herein with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells.

In a preferred embodiment the composition according to the present invention comprises at least one additional fungicide and/or at least one insecticide, with the proviso that the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, the insecticide and the fungicide are not identical.

The term “active compound” or “active ingredient” is used in the present description to designate the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, the at least one further biological control agent and/or a mutant of it having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens, the at least one insecticide and the at least one fungicide.

Further Additives

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a composition as described above additionally comprising at least one auxiliary selected from the group consisting of extenders, solvents, spontaneity promoters, carriers, emulsifiers, dispersants, frost protectants, thickeners and adjuvants. Those compositions are referred to as formulations.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention such formulations, and application forms prepared from them, are provided as crop protection agents and/or pesticidal agents, such as drench, drip and spray liquors, comprising the composition of the invention. The application forms may comprise further crop protection agents and/or pesticidal agents, and/or activity-enhancing adjuvants such as penetrants, examples being vegetable oils such as, for example, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, mineral oils such as, for example, liquid paraffins, alkyl esters of vegetable fatty acids, such as rapeseed oil or soybean oil methyl esters, or alkanol alkoxylates, and/or spreaders such as, for example, alkylsiloxanes and/or salts, examples being organic or inorganic ammonium or phosphonium salts, examples being ammonium sulphate or diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and/or retention promoters such as dioctyl sulphosuccinate or hydroxypropylguar polymers and/or humectants such as glycerol and/or fertilizers such as ammonium, potassium or phosphorous fertilizers, for example.

Examples of typical formulations include water-soluble liquids (SL), emulsifiable concentrates (EC), emulsions in water (EW), suspension concentrates (SC, SE, FS, OD), water-dispersible granules (WG), granules (GR) and capsule concentrates (CS); these and other possible types of formulation are described, for example, by Crop Life International and in Pesticide Specifications, Manual on Development and Use of FAO and WHO Specifications for Pesticides, FAO Plant Production and Protection Papers-173, prepared by the FAO/WHO Joint Meeting on Pesticide Specifications, 2004, ISBN: 9251048576. The formulations may comprise active agrochemical compounds other than one or more active compounds of the invention.

The formulations or application forms in question preferably comprise auxiliaries, such as extenders, solvents, spontaneity promoters, carriers, emulsifiers, dispersants, frost protectants, biocides, thickeners and/or other auxiliaries, such as adjuvants, for example. An adjuvant in this context is a component which enhances the biological effect of the formulation, without the component itself having a biological effect. Examples of adjuvants are agents which promote the retention, spreading, attachment to the leaf surface, or penetration.

These formulations are produced in a known manner, for example by mixing the active compounds with auxiliaries such as, for example, extenders, solvents and/or solid carriers and/or further auxiliaries, such as, for example, surfactants. The formulations are prepared either in suitable plants or else before or during the application.

Suitable for use as auxiliaries are substances which are suitable for imparting to the formulation of the active compound or the application forms prepared from these formulations (such as, e.g., usable crop protection agents, such as spray liquors or seed dressings) particular properties such as certain physical, technical and/or biological properties.

Suitable extenders are, for example, water, polar and nonpolar organic chemical liquids, for example from the classes of the aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons (such as paraffins, alkylbenzenes, alkylnaphthalenes, chlorobenzenes), the alcohols and polyols (which, if appropriate, may also be substituted, etherified and/or esterified), the ketones (such as acetone, cyclohexanone), esters (including fats and oils) and (poly)ethers, the unsubstituted and substituted amines, amides, lactams (such as N-alkylpyrrolidones) and lactones, the sulphones and sulphoxides (such as dimethyl sulphoxide).

If the extender used is water, it is also possible to employ, for example, organic solvents as auxiliary solvents. Essentially, suitable liquid solvents are: aromatics such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, chlorinated aromatics and chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons such as chlorobenzenes, chloroethylenes or methylene chloride, aliphatic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane or paraffins, for example petroleum fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols such as butanol or glycol and also their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, strongly polar solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulphoxide, and also water.

In principle it is possible to use all suitable solvents. Suitable solvents are, for example, aromatic hydrocarbons, such as xylene, toluene or alkylnaphthalenes, for example, chlorinated aromatic or aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as chlorobenzene, chloroethylene or methylene chloride, for example, aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane, for example, paraffins, petroleum fractions, mineral and vegetable oils, alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol or glycol, for example, and also their ethers and esters, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone or cyclohexanone, for example, strongly polar solvents, such as dimethyl sulphoxide, and water.

All suitable carriers may in principle be used. Suitable carriers are in particular: for example, ammonium salts and ground natural minerals such as kaolins, clays, talc, chalk, quartz, attapulgite, montmorillonite or diatomaceous earth, and ground synthetic minerals, such as finely divided silica, alumina and natural or synthetic silicates, resins, waxes and/or solid fertilizers. Mixtures of such carriers may likewise be used. Carriers suitable for granules include the following: for example, crushed and fractionated natural minerals such as calcite, marble, pumice, sepiolite, dolomite, and also synthetic granules of inorganic and organic meals, and also granules of organic material such as sawdust, paper, coconut shells, maize cobs and tobacco stalks.

Liquefied gaseous extenders or solvents may also be used. Particularly suitable are those extenders or carriers which at standard temperature and under standard pressure are gaseous, examples being aerosol propellants, such as halogenated hydrocarbons, and also butane, propane, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

Examples of emulsifiers and/or foam-formers, dispersants or wetting agents having ionic or nonionic properties, or mixtures of these surface-active substances, are salts of polyacrylic acid, salts of lignosulphonic acid, salts of phenolsulphonic acid or naphthalenesulphonic acid, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, with substituted phenols (preferably alkylphenols or arylphenols), salts of sulphosuccinic esters, taurine derivatives (preferably alkyltaurates), phosphoric esters of polyethoxylated alcohols or phenols, fatty acid esters of polyols, and derivatives of the compounds containing sulphates, sulphonates and phosphates, examples being alkylaryl polyglycol ethers, alkylsulphonates, alkyl sulphates, arylsulphonates, protein hydrolysates, lignin-sulphite waste liquors and methylcellulose. The presence of a surface-active substance is advantageous if one of the active compounds and/or one of the inert carriers is not soluble in water and if application takes place in water.

Further auxiliaries that may be present in the formulations and in the application forms derived from them include colorants such as inorganic pigments, examples being iron oxide, titanium oxide, Prussian Blue, and organic dyes, such as alizarin dyes, azo dyes and metal phthalocyanine dyes, and nutrients and trace nutrients, such as salts of iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum and zinc.

Stabilizers, such as low-temperature stabilizers, preservatives, antioxidants, light stabilizers or other agents which improve chemical and/or physical stability may also be present. Additionally present may be foam-formers or defoamers.

Furthermore, the formulations and application forms derived from them may also comprise, as additional auxiliaries, stickers such as carboxymethylcellulose, natural and synthetic polymers in powder, granule or latex form, such as gum arabic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and also natural phospholipids, such as cephalins and lecithins, and synthetic phospholipids. Further possible auxiliaries include mineral and vegetable oils.

There may possibly be further auxiliaries present in the formulations and the application forms derived from them. Examples of such additives include fragrances, protective colloids, binders, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropic substances, penetrants, retention promoters, stabilizers, sequestrants, complexing agents, humectants and spreaders. Generally speaking, the active compounds may be combined with any solid or liquid additive commonly used for formulation purposes.

Suitable retention promoters include all those substances which reduce the dynamic surface tension, such as dioctyl sulphosuccinate, or increase the viscoelasticity, such as hydroxypropylguar polymers, for example.

Suitable penetrants in the present context include all those substances which are typically used in order to enhance the penetration of active agrochemical compounds into plants. Penetrants in this context are defined in that, from the (generally aqueous) application liquor and/or from the spray coating, they are able to penetrate the cuticle of the plant and thereby increase the mobility of the active compounds in the cuticle. This property can be determined using the method described in the literature (Baur, et al., 1997, Pesticide Science 51, 131-152). Examples include alcohol alkoxylates such as coconut fatty ethoxylate (10) or isotridecyl ethoxylate (12), fatty acid esters such as rapeseed or soybean oil methyl esters, fatty amine alkoxylates such as tallowamine ethoxylate (15), or ammonium and/or phosphonium salts such as ammonium sulphate or diammonium hydrogen phosphate, for example.

The formulations preferably comprise between 0.0001% and 98% by weight of active compound or, with particular preference, between 0.01% and 95% by weight of active compound, more preferably between 0.5% and 90% by weight of active compound, based on the weight of the formulation. The content of the active compound is defined as the sum of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the further particular biological control agent described herein and/or a mutant of a particular microorganism strain described herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens, and fungicide and/or insecticide, if present.

The active compound content of the application forms (crop protection products) prepared from the formulations may vary within wide ranges. The active compound concentration of the application forms may be situated typically between 0.0001% and 95% by weight of active compound, preferably between 0.0001% and 1% by weight, based on the weight of the application form. Application takes place in a customary manner adapted to the application forms.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention a kit of parts is provided comprising recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount in a spatially separated arrangement.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the above-mentioned kit of parts further comprises at least one fungicide and/or at least one insecticide, with the proviso that the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, insecticide and fungicide are not identical. The fungicide and/or the insecticide can be present either in the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cereus family member-based biological control agent component of the kit of parts or in the component of the kit of parts comprising the particular biological control agent disclosed herein, being spatially separated or in both of these components. In one embodiment, the fungicide and the insecticide are present in the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cereus family member-based biological control agent component.

Moreover, the kit of parts according to the present invention can additionally comprise at least one auxiliary selected from the group consisting of extenders, solvents, spontaneity promoters, carriers, emulsifiers, dispersants, frost protectants, thickeners and adjuvants as mentioned below. This at least one auxiliary can be present either in the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cereus family member-based biological control agent component of the kit of parts or in the component of the kit of parts comprising the particular biological control agent disclosed herein, being spatially separated or in both of these components.

In another aspect of the present invention the composition as described above is used for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the present invention the composition as described above increases the overall plant health.

The term “plant health” generally comprises various sorts of improvements of plants that are not connected to the control of pests. For example, advantageous properties that may be mentioned are improved crop characteristics including: emergence, crop yields, protein content, oil content, starch content, more developed root system, improved root growth, improved root size maintenance, improved root effectiveness, improved stress tolerance (e.g., against drought, heat, salt, UV, water, cold), reduced ethylene (reduced production and/or inhibition of reception), tittering increase, increase in plant height, bigger leaf blade, less dead basal leaves, stronger tillers, greener leaf color, pigment content, photosynthetic activity, less input needed (such as fertilizers or water), less seeds needed, more productive tillers, earlier flowering, early grain maturity, less plant verse (lodging), increased shoot growth, enhanced plant vigor, increased plant stand and early and better germination.

With regard to the use according to the present invention, improved plant health preferably refers to improved plant characteristics including: crop yield, more developed root system (improved root growth), improved root size maintenance, improved root effectiveness, tittering increase, increase in plant height, bigger leaf blade, less dead basal leaves, stronger tillers, greener leaf color, photosynthetic activity, more productive tillers, enhanced plant vigor, and increased plant stand.

With regard to the present invention, improved plant health preferably especially refers to improved plant properties selected from crop yield, more developed root system, improved root growth, improved root size maintenance, improved root effectiveness, tillering increase, and increase in plant height.

The effect of a composition according to the present invention on plant health as defined herein can be determined by comparing plants which are grown under the same environmental conditions, whereby a part of said plants is treated with a composition according to the present invention and another part of said plants is not treated with a composition according to the present invention. Instead, said other part is not treated at all or is treated with a placebo (i.e., an application without a composition according to the invention such as an application without all active ingredients (i.e., without the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells as described herein and without a further particular biological control agent as described herein), or an application without the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells as described herein, or an application without a further particular biological control agent disclosed herein.

The composition according to the present invention may be applied in any desired manner, such as in the form of a seed coating, soil drench, and/or directly in-furrow and/or as a foliar spray and applied either pre-emergence, post-emergence or both. In other words, the composition can be applied to the seed, the plant or to harvested fruits and vegetables or to the soil wherein the plant is growing or wherein it is desired to grow (plant's locus of growth).

Reducing the overall damage of plants and plant parts often results in healthier plants and/or in an increase in plant vigor and yield.

Preferably, the composition according to the present invention is used for treating conventional or transgenic plants or seed thereof.

The present invention also relates to methods for stimulating plant growth using any of the compositions described above comprising recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein and at least one of the further particular biological control agents described herein. The method for stimulating plant growth comprises applying to a plant, a plant part, to the locus surrounding the plant or in which the plant will be planted (e.g., soil or other growth medium) a composition comprising recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide; and (ii) a targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment, and at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount.

In another aspect of the present invention a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts as well as losses in harvested fruits or vegetables caused by insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens is provided comprising the step of simultaneously or sequentially applying the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and at least one further particular biological control agent described herein in a synergistically effective amount.

In one embodiment of the present method the composition further comprises at least one fungicide. In one aspect, the at least one fungicide is a synthetic fungicide. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the at least one fungicide is selected from the following group: bitertanol, bixafen, bromuconazole, carbendazim, carpropamid, dichlofluanid, fenamidone, fenhexamid, fentin acetate, fentin hydroxide, fluopicolide, fluopyram, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, fosetyl, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isotianil, metominostrobin, ofurace, pencycuron, penflufen, prochloraz, propamocarb, propineb, prothioconazole, pyrimethanil, spiroxamine, tebuconazole, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazoxide, and trifloxystrobin.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises at least one insecticide in addition to the fungicide or in place of the fungicide, provided that the insecticide, the fungicide, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the particular biological control agent disclosed herein are not identical.

In one embodiment, the at least one insecticide is a synthetic insecticide. In a further embodiment, the at least one insecticide is selected from the following group: acetamiprid, aldicarb, amitraz, beta-cyfluthrin, carbaryl, clothianidin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, endosulfan, ethion, ethiprole, ethoprophos, fenamiphos, fenobucarb, fenthion, fipronil, flubendiamide, fluopyram, flupyradifurone, formetanate, heptanophos, imidacloprid, methamidophos, methiocarb, methomyl, niclosamide, oxydemeton-methyl, phosalone, silafluofen, spirodiclofen, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, thiacloprid, thiodicarb, tralomethrin, triazophos, triflumuron, and vamidothion.

The method of the present invention includes the following application methods, namely both of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein may be formulated into a single, stable composition with an agriculturally acceptable shelf life (so called “solo-formulation”), or being combined before or at the time of use (so called “combined-formulations”).

If not mentioned otherwise, the expression “combination” stands for the various combinations of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide, in a solo-formulation, in a single “ready-mix” form, in a combined spray mixture composed from solo-formulations, such as a “tank-mix”, and especially in a combined use of the single active ingredients when applied in a sequential manner, i.e., one after the other within a reasonably short period, such as a few hours or days, e.g., 2 hours to 7 days. The order of applying the composition according to the present invention is not essential for working the present invention. Accordingly, the term “combination” also encompasses the presence of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or insecticide on or in a plant to be treated or its surrounding, habitat or storage space, e.g., after simultaneously or consecutively applying the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide to a plant its surrounding, habitat or storage space.

If the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent described herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide are employed or used in a sequential manner, it is preferred to treat the plants or plant parts (which includes seeds and plants emerging from the seed), harvested fruits and vegetables according to the following method: Firstly applying the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide on the plant or plant parts, and secondly applying the further particular biological control agent described herein and the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells to the same plant or plant parts. By this application manner the amount of residues of insecticides/fungicides on the plant upon harvesting is as low as possible. The time periods between the first and the second application within a (crop) growing cycle may vary and depend on the effect to be achieved. For example, the first application is done to prevent an infestation of the plant or plant parts with insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens (this is particularly the case when treating seeds) or to combat the infestation with insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens (this is particularly the case when treating plants and plant parts) and the second application is done to prevent or control the infestation with insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens and/or to promote plant growth. Control in this context means that the composition comprising the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the particular biological control agent disclosed herein are not able to fully exterminate the pests or phytopathogenic fungi but are able to keep the infestation on an acceptable level.

The present invention also provides methods of enhancing the killing, inhibiting, preventative and/or repelling activity of the compositions of the present invention by multiple applications. In some other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are applied to a plant and/or plant part for two times, during any desired development stages or under any predetermined pest pressure, at an interval of about 1 hour, about 5 hours, about 10 hours, about 24 hours, about two days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 1 week, about 10 days, about two weeks, about three weeks, about 1 month or more. Still in some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are applied to a plant and/or plant part for more than two times, for example, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, 7 times, 8 times, 9 times, 10 times, or more, during any desired development stages or under any predetermined pest pressure, at an interval of about 1 hour, about 5 hours, about 10 hours, about 24 hours, about two days, about 3 days, about 4 days, about 5 days, about 1 week, about 10 days, about two weeks, about three weeks, about 1 month or more. The intervals between each application can vary if it is desired. One skilled in the art will be able to determine the application times and length of interval depending on plant species, plant pest species, and other factors.

By following the before mentioned steps, a very low level of residues of the at least one fungicide and/or at least one insecticide on the treated plant, plant parts, and the harvested fruits and vegetables can be achieved.

If not mentioned otherwise the treatment of plants or plant parts (which includes seeds and plants emerging from the seed), harvested fruits and vegetables with the composition according to the invention is carried out directly or by action on their surroundings, habitat or storage space using customary treatment methods, for example dipping, spraying, atomizing, irrigating, evaporating, dusting, fogging, broadcasting, foaming, painting, spreading-on, watering (drenching), drip irrigating. It is furthermore possible to apply the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, the at least one further particular biological control agent described herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide as solo-formulation or combined-formulations by the ultra-low volume method, or to inject the composition according to the present invention as a composition or as sole-formulations into the soil (in-furrow).

The term “plant to be treated” encompasses every part of a plant including its root system and the material—e.g., soil or nutrition medium—which is in a radius of at least 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm around the caulis or bole of a plant to be treated or which is at least 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm around the root system of said plant to be treated, respectively.

The amount of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, which is used or employed in combination with at least one further particular biological control agent described herein, optionally in the presence of at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide, depends on the final formulation as well as size or type of the plant, plant parts, seeds, harvested fruits and vegetables to be treated. Usually, the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells to be employed or used according to the invention is present in about 1% to about 80% (w/w), preferably in about 1% to about 60% (w/w), more preferably about 10% to about 50% (w/w) of its solo-formulation or combined-formulation with the at least one further particular biological control agent described herein, and optionally the fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide.

Also the amount of the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein which is used or employed in combination with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, optionally in the presence of at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide, depends on the final formulation as well as size or type of the plant, plant parts, seeds, harvested fruit or vegetable to be treated. Usually, the further particular biological control agent described herein to be employed or used according to the invention is present in about 0.1% to about 80% (w/w), preferably 1% to about 60% (w/w), more preferably about 10% to about 50% (w/w) of its solo-formulation or combined-formulation with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide.

Application of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells may be effected as a foliar spray, as a soil treatment, and/or as a seed treatment/dressing. When used as a foliar treatment, in one embodiment, about 1/16 to about 5 gallons of whole broth are applied per acre. When used as a soil treatment, in one embodiment, about 1 to about 5 gallons of whole broth are applied per acre. When used for seed treatment about 1/32 to about ¼ gallons of whole broth are applied per acre. For seed treatment, the end-use formulation contains at least 1×10⁴, at least 1×10⁵, at least 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, at least 1×10⁸, at least 1×10⁹, at least 1×10¹⁰ colony forming units per gram.

The recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, and if present preferably also the fungicide and/or the insecticide are used or employed in a synergistic weight ratio. The skilled person is able to find out the synergistic weight ratios for the present invention by routine methods. The skilled person understands that these ratios refer to the ratio within a combined-formulation as well as to the calculative ratio of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells described herein and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein when both components are applied as mono-formulations to a plant to be treated. The skilled person can calculate this ratio by simple mathematics since the volume and the amount of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, respectively, in a mono-formulation is known to the skilled person.

The ratio can be calculated based on the amount of the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, at the time point of applying said component of a combination according to the invention to a plant or plant part and the amount of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells shortly prior (e.g., 48 h, 24 h, 12 h, 6 h, 2 h, 1 h) or at the time point of applying said component of a combination according to the invention to a plant or plant part.

The application of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein to a plant or a plant part can take place simultaneously or at different times as long as both components are present on or in the plant after the application(s). In cases where the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and further particular biological control agent disclosed herein are applied at different times and the further particular biological control agent disclosed herein is applied prior to the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells, the skilled person can determine the concentration of further particular biological control agent disclosed herein on/in a plant by chemical analysis known in the art, at the time point or shortly before the time point of applying the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells. Vice versa, when the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells is applied to a plant first, the concentration of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells can be determined using tests which are also known in the art, at the time point or shortly before the time point of applying the further particular biological control agent disclosed herein.

In particular, in one embodiment the synergistic weight ratio of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells (i.e., the unformulated spore preparation) and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein lies in the range of 1:1000 to 1000:1; in the range of 1:500 to 500:1; in the range of 1:300 to 500:1. Additional ratios are between 20:1 and 1:20, such as 10:1, 5:1 or 2:1. In embodiments in which the biological control agent is Bacillus-based the weight to weight ratio should be applied to the unformulated Bacillus spore preparation. In one aspect of this embodiment, the spore preparations of both the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the Bacillus-based biological control agent is dried spore preparation containing at least about 1×10⁴ cfu/g, at least about 1×10⁵ cfu/g, at least about 1×10⁶ cfu/g at least about 1×10⁷ cfu/g, at least about 1×10⁸ cfu/g, at least about 1×10⁹ cfu/g, at least about 1×10¹⁰ cfu/g, and at least about 1×10¹¹ cfu/g. In another embodiment the colony forming unit to colony forming unit ratio of recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the Bacillus-based particular biological control agent described herein lies in the range of 1:100,000 to 100,000 to 1, in the range of 1:10,000 to 10,000:1, in the range of 1:1000 to 1000:1, in the range of 1:500 to 500:1, in the range of 1:100 to 100:1, in the range of 1:10 to 10:1, in the range of 1:5 to 5:1, and in the range of 1:1.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cereus family member-based biological control agent after dispersal is at least 50 g/ha, such as 50-7500 g/ha, 50-2500 g/ha, 50-1500 g/ha; at least 250 g/ha (hectare), at least 500 g/ha or at least 800 g/ha.

The application rate of composition to be employed or used according to the present invention may vary. The skilled person is able to find the appropriate application rate by way of routine experiments.

In another aspect of the present invention a seed treated with the composition as described above is provided.

The control of insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens by treating the seed of plants has been known for a long time and is a subject of continual improvements. Nevertheless, the treatment of seed entails a series of problems which cannot always be solved in a satisfactory manner. Thus, it is desirable to develop methods for protecting the seed and the germinating plant that remove the need for, or at least significantly reduce, the additional delivery of crop protection compositions in the course of storage, after sowing or after the emergence of the plants. It is desirable, furthermore, to optimize the amount of active ingredient employed in such a way as to provide the best-possible protection to the seed and the germinating plant from attack by insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens, but without causing damage to the plant itself by the active ingredient employed. In particular, methods for treating seed ought also to take into consideration the intrinsic insecticidal and/or nematicidal properties of pest-resistant or pest-tolerant transgenic plants, in order to achieve optimum protection of the seed and of the germinating plant with a minimal use of crop protection compositions.

The present invention therefore also relates in particular to a method for protecting seed and germinating plants from attack by pests, by treating the seed with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells as defined above and at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens and optionally at least one fungicide and/or optionally at least one insecticide of the invention. The method of the invention for protecting seed and germinating plants from attack by pests encompasses a method in which the seed is treated simultaneously in one operation with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent described herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide. It also encompasses a method in which the seed is treated at different times with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide.

The invention likewise relates to the use of the composition of the invention for treating seed for the purpose of protecting the seed and the resultant plant against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens.

The invention also relates to seed which at the same time has been treated with a the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and at least one further particular biological control agent described herein, and optionally at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide. The invention further relates to seed which has been treated at different times with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide. In the case of seed which has been treated at different times with the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent disclosed herein, and optionally the at least one fungicide and/or the at least one insecticide, the individual active ingredients in the composition of the invention may be present in different layers on the seed.

Furthermore, the invention relates to seed which, following treatment with the composition of the invention, is subjected to a film-coating process in order to prevent dust abrasion of the seed.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that, owing to the particular systemic properties of the compositions of the invention, the treatment of the seed with these compositions provides protection from insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens not only to the seed itself but also to the plants originating from the seed, after they have emerged. In this way, it may not be necessary to treat the crop directly at the time of sowing or shortly thereafter.

A further advantage is to be seen in the fact that, through the treatment of the seed with composition of the invention, germination and emergence of the treated seed may be promoted.

It is likewise considered to be advantageous composition of the invention may also be used, in particular, on transgenic seed.

It is also stated that the composition of the invention may be used in combination with agents of the signalling technology, as a result of which, for example, colonization with symbionts is improved, such as rhizobia, mycorrhiza and/or endophytic bacteria, for example, is enhanced, and/or nitrogen fixation is optimized.

The compositions of the invention are suitable for protecting seed of any variety of plant which is used in agriculture, in greenhouses, in forestry or in horticulture. More particularly, the seed in question is that of cereals (e.g., wheat, barley, rye, oats and millet), maize, cotton, soybeans, rice, potatoes, sunflower, coffee, tobacco, canola, oilseed rape, beets (e.g., sugar beet and fodder beet), peanuts, vegetables (e.g., tomato, cucumber, bean, brassicas, onions and lettuce), fruit plants, lawns and ornamentals. Particularly important is the treatment of the seed of cereals (such as wheat, barley, rye and oats) maize, soybeans, cotton, canola, oilseed rape and rice.

As already mentioned above, the treatment of transgenic seed with the composition of the invention is particularly important. The seed in question here is that of plants which generally contain at least one heterologous gene that controls the expression of a polypeptide having, in particular, insecticidal and/or nematicidal properties. These heterologous genes in transgenic seed may come from microorganisms such as Bacillus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Trichoderma, Clavibacter, Glomus or Gliocladium. The present invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of transgenic seed which contains at least one heterologous gene from Bacillus sp. With particular preference, the heterologous gene in question comes from Bacillus thuringiensis.

For the purposes of the present invention, the composition of the invention is applied alone or in a suitable formulation to the seed. The seed is preferably treated in a condition in which its stability is such that no damage occurs in the course of the treatment. Generally speaking, the seed may be treated at any point in time between harvesting and sowing. Typically, seed is used which has been separated from the plant and has had cobs, hulls, stems, husks, hair or pulp removed. Thus, for example, seed may be used that has been harvested, cleaned and dried to a moisture content of less than 15% by weight. Alternatively, seed can also be used that after drying has been treated with water, for example, and then dried again.

When treating seed it is necessary, generally speaking, to ensure that the amount of the composition of the invention, and/or of other additives, that is applied to the seed is selected such that the germination of the seed is not adversely affected, and/or that the plant which emerges from the seed is not damaged. This is the case in particular with active ingredients which may exhibit phytotoxic effects at certain application rates.

The compositions of the invention can be applied directly, in other words without comprising further components and without having been diluted. As a general rule, it is preferable to apply the compositions in the form of a suitable formulation to the seed. Suitable formulations and methods for seed treatment are known to the skilled person and are described in, for example, the following documents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,272,417 A; 4,245,432 A; 4,808,430 A; 5,876,739 A; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0176428 A1; WO 2002/080675 A1; WO 2002/028186 A2.

The combinations which can be used in accordance with the invention may be converted into the customary seed-dressing formulations, such as solutions, emulsions, suspensions, powders, foams, slurries or other coating compositions for seed, and also ULV formulations.

These formulations are prepared in a known manner, by mixing composition with customary adjuvants, such as, for example, customary extenders and also solvents or diluents, colorants, wetters, dispersants, emulsifiers, antifoams, preservatives, secondary thickeners, stickers, gibberellins, and also water.

Colorants which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all colorants which are customary for such purposes. In this context it is possible to use not only pigments, which are of low solubility in water, but also water-soluble dyes. Examples include the colorants known under the designations Rhodamin B, C.I. Pigment Red 112 and C.I. Solvent Red 1.

Wetters which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all of the substances which promote wetting and which are customary in the formulation of active agrochemical ingredients. Use may be made preferably of alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, such as diisopropyl- or diisobutyl-naphthalenesulphonates.

Dispersants and/or emulsifiers which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all of the nonionic, anionic and cationic dispersants that are customary in the formulation of active agrochemical ingredients. Use may be made preferably of nonionic or anionic dispersants or of mixtures of nonionic or anionic dispersants. Suitable nonionic dispersants are, in particular, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block polymers, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers and also tristryrylphenol polyglycol ethers, and the phosphated or sulphated derivatives of these. Suitable anionic dispersants are, in particular, lignosulphonates, salts of polyacrylic acid, and arylsulphonate-formaldehyde condensates.

Antifoams which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all of the foam inhibitors that are customary in the formulation of active agrochemical ingredients. Use may be made preferably of silicone antifoams and magnesium stearate.

Preservatives which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all of the substances which can be employed for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Examples include dichlorophen and benzyl alcohol hemiformal.

Secondary thickeners which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all substances which can be used for such purposes in agrochemical compositions. Those contemplated with preference include cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid derivatives, xanthan, modified clays and highly disperse silica.

Stickers which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include all customary binders which can be used in seed-dressing products. Preferred mention may be made of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and tylose.

Gibberellins which may be present in the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention include preferably the gibberellins A1, A3 (=gibberellic acid), A4 and A7, with gibberellic acid being used with particular preference. The gibberellins are known (cf. R. Wegler, “Chemie der Pflanzenschutz—and Schädlingsbekämpfungsmittel”, Volume 2, Springer Verlag, 1970, pp. 401-412).

The seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention may be used, either directly or after prior dilution with water, to treat seed of any of a wide variety of types. Accordingly, the concentrates or the preparations obtainable from them by dilution with water may be employed to dress the seed of cereals, such as wheat, barley, rye, oats and triticale, and also the seed of maize, rice, oilseed rape, peas, beans, cotton, sunflowers and beets, or else the seed of any of a very wide variety of vegetables. The seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention, or their diluted preparations, may also be used to dress seed of transgenic plants. In that case, additional synergistic effects may occur in interaction with the substances formed through expression.

For the treatment of seed with the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention, or with the preparations produced from them by addition of water, suitable mixing equipment includes all such equipment which can typically be employed for seed dressing. More particularly, the procedure when carrying out seed dressing is to place the seed in a mixer, to add the particular desired amount of seed-dressing formulations, either as such or following dilution with water beforehand, and to carry out mixing until the distribution of the formulation on the seed is uniform. This may be followed by a drying operation.

The application rate of the seed-dressing formulations which can be used in accordance with the invention may be varied within a relatively wide range. It is guided by the particular amount of the recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells and the at least one further particular biological control agent described herein in the formulations, and by the seed. The application rates in the case of the composition are situated generally at between 0.001 and 50 g per kilogram of seed, preferably between 0.01 and 15 g per kilogram of seed.

Furthermore, the composition according to the present invention preferably has potent microbicidal activity and can be used for control of unwanted microorganisms, such as fungi and bacteria, in crop protection and in the protection of materials.

The invention also relates to a method for controlling unwanted microorganisms, characterized in that the inventive composition is applied to the phytopathogenic fungi, phytopathogenic bacteria and/or their habitat.

Fungicides can be used in crop protection for control of phytopathogenic fungi. They are characterized by an outstanding efficacy against a broad spectrum of phytopathogenic fungi, including soilborne pathogens, which are in particular members of the classes Plasmodiophoromycetes, Peronosporomycetes (Syn. Oomycetes), Chytridiomycetes, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes (Syn. Fungi imperfecti). Some fungicides are systemically active and can be used in plant protection as foliar, seed dressing or soil fungicide. Furthermore, they are suitable for combating fungi, which inter alia infest wood or roots of plant.

Bactericides can be used in crop protection for control of Pseudomonadaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae and Streptomycetaceae.

Non-limiting examples of pathogens of fungal diseases which can be treated in accordance with the invention include:

diseases caused by powdery mildew pathogens, for example Blumeria species, for example Blumeria graminis; Podosphaera species, for example Podosphaera leucotricha; Sphaerotheca species, for example Sphaerotheca fuliginea; Uncinula species, for example Uncinula necator;

diseases caused by rust disease pathogens, for example Gymnosporangium species, for example Gymnosporangium sabinae; Hemileia species, for example Hemileia vastatrix; Phakopsora species, for example Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Phakopsora meibomiae; Puccinia species, for example Puccinia recondite, P. triticina, P. graminis or P. striiformis or P. hordei; Uromyces species, for example Uromyces appendiculatus;

diseases caused by pathogens from the group of the Oomycetes, for example Albugo species, for example Algubo candida; Bremia species, for example Bremia lactucae; Peronospora species, for example Peronospora pisi, P. parasitica or P. brassicae; Phytophthora species, for example Phytophthora infestans; Plasmopara species, for example Plasmopara viticola; Pseudoperonospora species, for example Pseudoperonospora humuli or Pseudoperonospora cubensis; Pythium species, for example Pythium ultimum;

leaf blotch diseases and leaf wilt diseases caused, for example, by Alternaria species, for example Alternaria solani; Cercospora species, for example Cercospora beticola; Cladiosporium species, for example Cladiosporium cucumerinum; Cochliobolus species, for example Cochliobolus sativus (conidia form: Drechslera, Syn: Helminthosporium), Cochliobolus miyabeanus; Colletotrichum species, for example Colletotrichum lindemuthanium; Cycloconium species, for example Cycloconium oleaginum; Diaporthe species, for example Diaporthe citri; Elsinoe species, for example Elsinoe fawcettii; Gloeosporium species, for example Gloeosporium laeticolor; Glomerella species, for example Glomerella cingulata; Guignardia species, for example Guignardia bidwelli; Leptosphaeria species, for example Leptosphaeria maculans, Leptosphaeria nodorum; Magnaporthe species, for example Magnaporthe grisea; Microdochium species, for example Microdochium nivale; Mycosphaerella species, for example Mycosphaerella graminicola, M. arachidicola and M. fijiensis; Phaeosphaeria species, for example Phaeosphaeria nodorum; Pyrenophora species, for example Pyrenophora teres, Pyrenophora tritici repentis; Ramularia species, for example Ramularia collo-cygni, Ramularia areola; Rhynchosporium species, for example Rhynchosporium secalis; Septoria species, for example Septoria apii, Septoria lycopersii; Typhula species, for example Typhula incarnata; Venturia species, for example Venturia inaequalis;

root and stem diseases caused, for example, by Corticium species, for example Corticium graminearum; Fusarium species, for example Fusarium oxysporum; Gaeumannomyces species, for example Gaeumannomyces graminis; Rhizoctonia species, such as, for example Rhizoctonia solani; Sarocladium diseases caused for example by Sarocladium oryzae; Sclerotium diseases caused for example by Sclerotium oryzae; Tapesia species, for example Tapesia acuformis; Thielaviopsis species, for example Thielaviopsis basicola;

ear and panicle diseases (including corn cobs) caused, for example, by Alternaria species, for example Alternaria spp.; Aspergillus species, for example Aspergillus flavus; Cladosporium species, for example Cladosporium cladosporioides; Claviceps species, for example Claviceps purpurea; Fusarium species, for example Fusarium culmorum; Gibberella species, for example Gibberella zeae; Monographella species, for example Monographella nivalis; Septoria species, for example Septoria nodorum;

diseases caused by smut fungi, for example Sphacelotheca species, for example Sphacelotheca reiliana; Tilletia species, for example Tilletia caries, T. controversa; Urocystis species, for example Urocystis occulta; Ustilago species, for example Ustilago nuda, U. nuda tritici;

fruit rot caused, for example, by Aspergillus species, for example Aspergillus flavus; Botrytis species, for example Botrytis cinerea; Penicillium species, for example Penicillium expansum and P. purpurogenum; Sclerotinia species, for example Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; Verticilium species, for example Verticilium alboatrum;

seed and soilborne decay, mould, wilt, rot and damping-off diseases caused, for example, by Alternaria species, caused for example by Alternaria brassicicola; Aphanomyces species, caused for example by Aphanomyces euteiches; Ascochyta species, caused for example by Ascochyta lentis; Aspergillus species, caused for example by Aspergillus flavus; Cladosporium species, caused for example by Cladosporium herbarum; Cochliobolus species, caused for example by Cochliobolus sativus; (Conidiaform: Drechslera, Bipolaris Syn: Helminthosporium); Colletotrichum species, caused for example by Colletotrichum coccodes; Fusarium species, caused for example by Fusarium culmorum; Gibberella species, caused for example by Gibberella zeae; Macrophomina species, caused for example by Macrophomina phaseolina; Monographella species, caused for example by Monographella nivalis; Penicillium species, caused for example by Penicillium expansum; Phoma species, caused for example by Phoma lingam; Phomopsis species, caused for example by Phomopsis sojae; Phytophthora species, caused for example by Phytophthora cactorum; Pyrenophora species, caused for example by Pyrenophora graminea; Pyricularia species, caused for example by Pyricularia oryzae; Pythium species, caused for example by Pythium ultimum; Rhizoctonia species, caused for example by Rhizoctonia solani; Rhizopus species, caused for example by Rhizopus oryzae; Sclerotium species, caused for example by Sclerotium rolfsii; Septoria species, caused for example by Septoria nodorum; Typhula species, caused for example by Typhula incarnata; Verticillium species, caused for example by Verticillium dahliae;

cancers, galls and witches' broom caused, for example, by Nectria species, for example Nectria galligena;

wilt diseases caused, for example, by Monilinia species, for example Monilinia laxa;

leaf blister or leaf curl diseases caused, for example, by Exobasidium species, for example Exobasidium vexans;

Taphrina species, for example Taphrina deformans;

decline diseases of wooden plants caused, for example, by Esca disease, caused for example by Phaemoniella clamydospora, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Fomitiporia mediterranea; Eutypa dyeback, caused for example by Eutypa lata; Ganoderma diseases caused for example by Ganoderma boninense; Rigidoporus diseases caused for example by Rigidoporus lignosus;

diseases of flowers and seeds caused, for example, by Botrytis species, for example Botrytis cinerea;

diseases of plant tubers caused, for example, by Rhizoctonia species, for example Rhizoctonia solani; Helminthosporium species, for example Helminthosporium solani;

Club root caused, for example, by Plasmodiophora species, for example Plamodiophora brassicae;

diseases caused by bacterial pathogens, for example Xanthomonas species, for example Xanthomonas campestris pv. oryzae; Pseudomonas species, for example Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans; Erwinia species, for example Erwinia amylovora.

The following diseases of soya beans can be controlled with preference:

Fungal diseases on leaves, stems, pods and seeds caused, for example, by Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spec. atrans tenuissima), Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporoides dematium var. truncatum), brown spot (Septoria glycines), cercospora leaf spot and blight (Cercospora kikuchii), choanephora leaf blight (Choanephora infundibulifera trispora (Syn.)), dactuliophora leaf spot (Dactuliophora glycines), downy mildew (Peronospora manshurica), drechslera blight (Drechslera glycini), frogeye leaf spot (Cercospora sojina), leptosphaerulina leaf spot (Leptosphaerulina trifolii), phyllostica leaf spot (Phyllosticta sojaecola), pod and stem blight (Phomopsis sojae), powdery mildew (Microsphaera diffusa), pyrenochaeta leaf spot (Pyrenochaeta glycines), rhizoctonia aerial, foliage, and web blight (Rhizoctonia solani), rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Phakopsora meibomiae), scab (Sphaceloma glycines), stemphylium leaf blight (Stemphylium botryosum), target spot (Corynespora cassiicola).

Fungal diseases on roots and the stem base caused, for example, by black root rot (Calonectria crotalariae), charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina), fusarium blight or wilt, root rot, and pod and collar rot (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium orthoceras, Fusarium semitectum, Fusarium equiseti), mycoleptodiscus root rot (Mycoleptodiscus terrestris), neocosmospora (Neocosmospora vasinfecta), pod and stem blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum), stem canker (Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora), phytophthora rot (Phytophthora megasperma), brown stem rot (Phialophora gregata), pythium rot (Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium irregulare, Pythium debaryanum, Pythium myriotylum, Pythium ultimum), rhizoctonia root rot, stem decay, and damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani), sclerotinia stem decay (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), sclerotinia southern blight (Sclerotinia rolfsii), thielaviopsis root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola).

The inventive compositions can be used for curative or protective/preventive control of phytopathogenic fungi. The invention therefore also relates to curative and protective methods for controlling phytopathogenic fungi by the use of the inventive composition, which is applied to the seed, the plant or plant parts, the fruit or the soil in which the plants grow.

The fact that the composition is well tolerated by plants at the concentrations required for controlling plant diseases allows the treatment of above-ground parts of plants, of propagation stock and seeds, and of the soil.

According to the invention all plants and plant parts can be treated. By plants is meant all plants and plant populations such as desirable and undesirable wild plants, cultivars and plant varieties (whether or not protectable by plant variety or plant breeder's rights). Cultivars and plant varieties can be plants obtained by conventional propagation and breeding methods which can be assisted or supplemented by one or more biotechnological methods such as by use of double haploids, protoplast fusion, random and directed mutagenesis, molecular or genetic markers or by bioengineering and genetic engineering methods. By plant parts is meant all above ground and below ground parts and organs of plants such as shoot, leaf, blossom and root, whereby for example leaves, needles, stems, branches, blossoms, fruiting bodies, fruits and seed as well as roots, corms and rhizomes are listed. Crops and vegetative and generative propagating material, for example cuttings, corms, rhizomes, runners and seeds also belong to plant parts.

The inventive composition, when it is well tolerated by plants, has favourable homeotherm toxicity and is well tolerated by the environment, is suitable for protecting plants and plant organs, for enhancing harvest yields, for improving the quality of the harvested material. It can preferably be used as crop protection composition. It is active against normally sensitive and resistant species and against all or some stages of development.

Plants which can be treated in accordance with the invention include the following main crop plants: maize, soya bean, alfalfa, cotton, sunflower, Brassica oil seeds such as Brassica napus (e.g., canola, rapeseed), Brassica rapa, B. juncea (e.g., (field) mustard) and Brassica carinata, Arecaceae sp. (e.g., oilpalm, coconut), rice, wheat, sugar beet, sugar cane, oats, rye, barley, millet and sorghum, triticale, flax, nuts, grapes and vine and various fruit and vegetables from various botanic taxa, e.g., Rosaceae sp. (e.g., pome fruits such as apples and pears, but also stone fruits such as apricots, cherries, almonds, plums and peaches, and berry fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, red and black currant and gooseberry), Ribesioidae sp., Juglandaceae sp., Betulaceae sp., Anacardiaceae sp., Fagaceae sp., Moraceae sp., Oleaceae sp. (e.g., olive tree), Actinidaceae sp., Lauraceae sp. (e.g., avocado, cinnamon, camphor), Musaceae sp. (e.g., banana trees and plantations), Rubiaceae sp. (e.g., coffee), Theaceae sp. (e.g., tea), Sterculiceae sp., Rutaceae sp. (e.g., lemons, oranges, mandarins and grapefruit); Solanaceae sp. (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, capsicum, aubergines, tobacco), Liliaceae sp., Compositae sp. (e.g., lettuce, artichokes and chicory—including root chicory, endive or common chicory), Umbelliferae sp. (e.g., carrots, parsley, celery and celeriac), Cucurbitaceae sp. (e.g., cucumbers—including gherkins, pumpkins, watermelons, calabashes and melons), Alliaceae sp. (e.g., leeks and onions), Cruciferae sp. (e.g., white cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, pak choi, kohlrabi, radishes, horseradish, cress and chinese cabbage), Leguminosae sp. (e.g., peanuts, peas, lentils and beans—e.g., common beans and broad beans), Chenopodiaceae sp. (e.g., Swiss chard, fodder beet, spinach, beetroot), Linaceae sp. (e.g., hemp), Cannabeacea sp. (e.g., cannabis), Malvaceae sp. (e.g., okra, cocoa), Papaveraceae (e.g., poppy), Asparagaceae (e.g., asparagus); useful plants and ornamental plants in the garden and woods including turf, lawn, grass and Stevia rebaudiana; and in each case genetically modified types of these plants.

Depending on the plant species or plant cultivars, their location and growth conditions (soils, climate, vegetation period, diet), using or employing the composition according to the present invention the treatment according to the invention may also result in super-additive (“synergistic”) effects. Thus, for example, by using or employing inventive composition in the treatment according to the invention, reduced application rates and/or a widening of the activity spectrum and/or an increase in the activity better plant growth, increased tolerance to high or low temperatures, increased tolerance to drought or to water or soil salt content, increased flowering performance, easier harvesting, accelerated maturation, higher harvest yields, bigger fruits, larger plant height, greener leaf color, earlier flowering, higher quality and/or a higher nutritional value of the harvested products, higher sugar concentration within the fruits, better storage stability and/or processability of the harvested products are possible, which exceed the effects which were actually to be expected.

At certain application rates of the inventive composition in the treatment according to the invention may also have a strengthening effect in plants. The defense system of the plant against attack by unwanted phytopathogenic fungi and/or microorganisms and/or viruses is mobilized. Plant-strengthening (resistance-inducing) substances are to be understood as meaning, in the present context, those substances or combinations of substances which are capable of stimulating the defense system of plants in such a way that, when subsequently inoculated with unwanted phytopathogenic fungi and/or microorganisms and/or viruses, the treated plants display a substantial degree of resistance to these phytopathogenic fungi and/or microorganisms and/or viruses. Thus, by using or employing composition according to the present invention in the treatment according to the invention, plants can be protected against attack by the abovementioned pathogens within a certain period of time after the treatment. The period of time within which protection is effected generally extends from 1 to 10 days, preferably 1 to 7 days, after the treatment of the plants with the active compounds.

Plants and plant cultivars which are also preferably to be treated according to the invention are resistant against one or more biotic stresses, i.e., said plants show a better defense against animal and microbial pests, such as against nematodes, insects, mites, phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses and/or viroids.

Plants and plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the invention are those plants which are resistant to one or more abiotic stresses, i.e., that already exhibit an increased plant health with respect to stress tolerance. Abiotic stress conditions may include, for example, drought, cold temperature exposure, heat exposure, osmotic stress, flooding, increased soil salinity, increased mineral exposure, ozon exposure, high light exposure, limited availability of nitrogen nutrients, limited availability of phosphorus nutrients, shade avoidance. Preferably, the treatment of these plants and cultivars with the composition of the present invention additionally increases the overall plant health (cf. above).

Plants and plant cultivars which may also be treated according to the invention, are those plants characterized by enhanced yield characteristics, i.e., that already exhibit an increased plant health with respect to this feature. Increased yield in said plants can be the result of, for example, improved plant physiology, growth and development, such as water use efficiency, water retention efficiency, improved nitrogen use, enhanced carbon assimilation, improved photosynthesis, increased germination efficiency and accelerated maturation.

Yield can furthermore be affected by improved plant architecture (under stress and non-stress conditions), including but not limited to, early flowering, flowering control for hybrid seed production, seedling vigor, plant size, internode number and distance, root growth, seed size, fruit size, pod size, pod or ear number, seed number per pod or ear, seed mass, enhanced seed filling, reduced seed dispersal, reduced pod dehiscence and lodging resistance. Further yield traits include seed composition, such as carbohydrate content, protein content, oil content and composition, nutritional value, reduction in anti-nutritional compounds, improved processability and better storage stability. Preferably, the treatment of these plants and cultivars with the composition of the present invention additionally increases the overall plant health (cf. above).

Plants that may be treated according to the invention are hybrid plants that already express the characteristic of heterosis or hybrid vigor which results in generally higher yield, vigor, health and resistance towards biotic and abiotic stress factors. Such plants are typically made by crossing an inbred male-sterile parent line (the female parent) with another inbred male-fertile parent line (the male parent). Hybrid seed is typically harvested from the male sterile plants and sold to growers. Male sterile plants can sometimes (e.g., in corn) be produced by detasseling, i.e., the mechanical removal of the male reproductive organs (or males flowers) but, more typically, male sterility is the result of genetic determinants in the plant genome. In that case, and especially when seed is the desired product to be harvested from the hybrid plants it is typically useful to ensure that male fertility in the hybrid plants is fully restored. This can be accomplished by ensuring that the male parents have appropriate fertility restorer genes which are capable of restoring the male fertility in hybrid plants that contain the genetic determinants responsible for male-sterility. Genetic determinants for male sterility may be located in the cytoplasm. Examples of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) were for instance described in Brassica species. However, genetic determinants for male sterility can also be located in the nuclear genome. Male sterile plants can also be obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering. A particularly useful means of obtaining male-sterile plants is described in WO 89/10396 in which, for example, a ribonuclease such as barnase is selectively expressed in the tapetum cells in the stamens. Fertility can then be restored by expression in the tapetum cells of a ribonuclease inhibitor such as barstar.

Plants or plant cultivars (obtained by plant biotechnology methods such as genetic engineering) which may be treated according to the invention are herbicide-tolerant plants, i.e., plants made tolerant to one or more given herbicides. Such plants can be obtained either by genetic transformation, or by selection of plants containing a mutation imparting such herbicide tolerance.

The following non-limiting examples are provided to further illustrate the present invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Formula for the Efficacy of the Combination of Multiple Active Ingredients

A synergistic effect of active ingredients is present when the activity of the active ingredient combinations exceeds the total of the activities of the active ingredients when applied individually. The expected activity for a given combination of two active ingredients can be calculated as follows (cf. Colby, S. R., “Calculating Synergistic and Antagonistic Responses of Herbicide Combinations,” Weeds 1967, 15, 20-22):

If

-   -   X is the efficacy when active ingredient A is applied at an         application rate of m ppm (or g/ha),     -   Y is the efficacy when active ingredient B is applied at an         application rate of n ppm (or g/ha),     -   E is the efficacy when the active ingredients A and B are         applied at application rates of m and n ppm (or g/ha),         respectively, and     -   then

$E = {X + Y - \frac{X \cdot Y}{100}}$

If the actual activity exceeds the calculated value, then the activity of the combination is superadditive, i.e., a synergistic effect exists. In this case, the efficacy which was actually observed must be greater than the value for the expected efficacy (E) calculated from the above-mentioned formula.

For instance, the formula and analysis can be applied to an evaluation of plant growth promotion. Such an assay is evaluated several days after the applications to plants. 100% means plant weight which corresponds to that of the untreated control plant. Efficacy means in this case the additional % of plant weight in comparison to that of the untreated control. For example, a treatment that resulted in plant weights that were 120% compared to the untreated control plant would have an efficacy of 20%. If the plant growth promotion effect for the combination (i.e., the observed efficacy for % shoot weights of plants treated with the combination) exceeds the calculated value, then the activity of the combination is superadditive, i.e., a synergistic effect exists.

The formula and analysis can also be used to evaluate synergy in disease control assays. The degree of efficacy expressed in % is denoted. 0% means an efficacy which corresponds to that of the control while an efficacy of 100% means that no disease is observed.

If the actual insecticidal or fungicidal activity exceeds the calculated value, then the activity of the combination is superadditive, i.e., a synergistic effect exists. In this case, the efficacy which is actually observed must be greater than the value for the expected efficacy (E) calculated from the above-mentioned formula.

A further way of demonstrating a synergistic effect is the method of Tammes (cf. “Isoboles, A Graphic Representation of Synergism in Pesticides,” in Neth. J. Plant Path., 1964, 70, 73-80).

Example 2 Plant Growth Promotion with Bacillus subtilis QST713 and Recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis Cells Expressing Phospholipase C

Experiments were conducted to analyze efficacy of a combination of Bacillus subtilis QST713-based product and a fermentation product of recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis cells expressing phospholipase C (“BEPC”). Maize seeds were grown in sterile mixture of synthetic media and sand in small three-inch square pots on light racks in a plant growth room at 25-28° C. and 50% humidity for about 14 days. Two seeds were planted in each pot. At planting, the growing media in each pot was drenched with the treatments described below. After 14 days, plants were measured for whole plant biomass. In some experiments, roots were analyzed using the WinRhizo Root scanner. In all tables throughout these Examples, UTC refers to untreated control. “Calculated” refers to the expected effect calculated using the above-described Colby equation and “Efficacy” refers to the actual effect observed.

The SERENADE® ASO product was diluted in water (1% and 5% volume to volume) and the diluted solution was used to drench the growing media. The application rate of SERENADE® ASO refers to the amount of Bacillus subtilis QST713 (i.e., spore preparation) contained in the product SERENADE® ASO, which is 1.34%. The formulated product has a minimum spore concentration of 1×10⁹ cfu/g.

A recombinant Bacillus cereus family member (Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A) expressing phospholipase C on its exosporium (BEPC) was generated as follows. To generate plasmids for expression of fusion proteins in Bacillus cereus family members, PCR fragments were generated that encoded the Bc1A promoter (SEQ ID NO: 85), a methionine start codon, and amino acids 20-35 of Bc1A (SEQ ID NO: 1) followed by a six alanine linker sequence fused in frame to Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A phospholipase C (SEQ ID NO: 108). These PCR fragments were digested with Xho1 and ligated into the Sall site of the pSUPER plasmid to generate the plasmids pSUPER-Bc1A 20-35-Phospholipase. The pSUPER plasmid was generated through fusion of the pUC57 plasmid (containing an ampicillin resistance cassette) with the pBC16-1 plasmid from Bacillus (containing a tetracycline resistance). This 5.5 kbp plasmid can replicate in both E. coli and Bacillus spp. The pSUPER-Bc1A 20-35-Phospholipase plasmids were transformed into and propagated in dam methylase negative E. coli strains and finally were transformed into Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A.

To obtain whole broth cultures of BEPC, 15 mL conicals containing brain heart infusion media (BHI) were inoculated with BEPC and grown for 7-8 hours at around 30° C. at a shaker setting of 300 rpm. The next day, 250 μl aliquots from each flask were inoculated into 250 mL flasks containing 50 mL of a yeast extract-based media and grown at about 30° C. After approximately 2 days of incubation, when sporulation was at least 95% completed, the culture broth was harvested and colony forming units calculated. The fermentation broth was diluted to 5% in 50 mL water and the following colony forming units applied to each pot.

TABLE 3 Application Rate Whole PPM Plant and/or Biomass Found Efficacy Calculated Treatment CFU/pot (g) % % % UTC 3.23 100 SERENADE ® 703 4.71 146 46 ASO 5% 2.62 × 10⁹ Bacillus 7 × 10⁸ 3.83 118 18 expressing CFU/pot phospholipase C (BEPC) 5% SERENADE ® 2.62 × 10⁹ + 5.33 165 65 55.72 ASO 5% + 7 × 10⁸ BEPC

The experiment was repeated as above but with a 1% dilution of the SERENADE® ASO product. Results are shown in Table 4, below.

TABLE 4 Whole Plant Application Biomass Found Efficacy Calculated Treatment Rate (g) % % % UTC 3.22 100 SERENADE ® 140.7 PPM 3.62 112 12 ASO 1% 5.24 × 10⁸ CFU/pot BEPC 7 × 10⁸ 3.76 117 17 CFU/pot SERENADE ® 5.24 × 10⁸ 4.26 132 32 26.96 ASO 1% + CFU/pot + BEPC 7 × 10⁸ CFU/pot

Results of root volume measurements using the WinRhizo root scanner are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Root Volume Average % Found % Efficacy % Calculated UTC 5.259 100.0 0.0 SERENADE ® 6.282 119.5 19.5 ASO 1% BEPC 5% 6.249 118.8 18.8 Ser 1% and 9.318 177.2 77.2 34.6 BEPC 5%

Results indicate a superadditive plant yield effect when combining SERENADE® ASO and BEPC.

Example 3 Plant Growth Promotion with Bacillus subtilis QST713 and Recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis Cells Expressing Endoglucanase

Experiments similar to those in Example 2 were conducted using a recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis cells expressing endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 107), referred to in these examples as BEE. Whole broth cultures of BEE were created as described above, except that endoglucanase (SEQ ID NO: 107), rather than phosphpolipase, was used. Effects on plant yield of combinations of BEE with SERENADE® ASO are shown in the tables below.

TABLE 6 Whole Plant Application Biomass Found Efficacy Calculated Treatment Rate (g) % % % UTC 3.23 100 SERENADE ® 703 PPM 4.71 146 46 ASO 5% 2.62 × 10⁹ CFU/pot BEE 5% 7.85 × 10⁸ 3.7 114 14 CFU/pot SERENADE ® 2.62 × 10⁹ 5.89 182 82 53.56 ASO 5% + CFU/pot + BEE 5% 7.85 × 10⁸ CFU/pot

TABLE 7 Whole Plant Application Biomass Found Efficacy Calculated Treatment Rate (g) % % % UTC 3.22 100 SERENADE ® 140.7 PPM 3.62 112 12 ASO 1% 5.24 × 10⁸ CFU/pot BEE 5% 7.85 × 10⁸ 3.92 121 21 CFU/pot SERENADE ® 5.24 × 10⁸ 4.40 136 36 30.48 ASO 1% + CFU/pot + BEE 5% 7.85 × 10⁸ CFU/pot

TABLE 8 Root Volume Average % Found % Efficacy % Calculated UTC 5.259 100.0 0.0 SERENADE ® 6.282 119.5 19.5 ASO 1% BEE 5% 6.704 127.5 27.5 Ser 1% and 8.209 156.1 56.1 41.6 BEE 5%

The above results show a superadditive effect on plant yield when Bacillus subtilis QST713 and BEE are applied in combination.

Example 4 Plant Growth Promotion with Bacillus firmus strain I-1582 and Recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis Cells

Maize seeds will be grown in loamy sand in the greenhouse at 20° C. and 70% humidity for about 11 days. After about 11 days from the time of treatment the seedlings will be cut off above the soil and the fresh weight will be determined.

Recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis cells expressing an endoglucanase encoded by SEQ ID NO: 107 or a phospholipase C encoded by SEQ ID NO: 108 and prepared as described above will be applied at about 50 μg/kernel. Bacillus firmus strain I-1582 will also be applied at about 50 μg/kernel.

It is expected that the maize plants treated with the recombinant Bacillus thuringiensis in combination with the Bacillus firmus strain I-1582 will have % shoot weights that exceed the calculated value based on the % shoot weights from the maize plants treated with the two active ingredients alone, i.e., a synergistic effect will be observed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A composition comprising: a) recombinant cells of a Bacillus cereus family member, wherein the cells express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide having endoglucanase activity and at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 107 and a polypeptide having phospholipase activity and at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 108; and (ii) a targeting sequence, exosporium protein, or exosporium protein fragment that is capable of targeting the fusion protein to the exosporium of the recombinant Bacillus cereus family member, comprising: an amino acid sequence having at least 43% identity with amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the identity with amino acids 25-35 is at least 54%; amino acids 1-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1; amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO: 1; amino acids 22-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1; amino acids 22-33 of SEQ ID NO: 1; amino acids 20-31 of SEQ ID NO: 1; the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; or an amino acid sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2; and b) a Bacillus firmus strain in a synergistic weight ratio in the range of 1:1000 to 1000:1, wherein the synergism refers to the effect of enhancing plant growth and/or promoting plant health.
 2. The composition according of claim 1, wherein the Bacillus cereus family member is selected from the group consisting of Bacillus anthracis; Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus samanil, Bacillus gaemokensis, Bacillus weihenstephensis, Bacillus toyoiensis and combinations thereof.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO:
 107. 4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the recombinant Bacillus cells are from Bacillus thuringiensis BT013A.
 5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO:
 108. 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the fusion protein is expressed under the control of a sporulation promoter native to the targeting sequence, exosporium protein or exosporium protein fragment of the fusion protein.
 7. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the Bacillus firmus strain is Bacillus firmus strain 1-1582.
 8. A method of treating a plant, a plant part, or the locus surrounding the plant to enhance plant growth and/or promote plant health comprising applying the composition according to claim
 1. 9. The composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide is endoglucanase with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 107. 10. The composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide is endoglucanase with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 107. 11. The composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide is endoglucanase with at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 107. 12. The composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide is phospholipase with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 108. 13. The composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide is phospholipase with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 108. 14. The composition of claim 1 wherein the at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide is phospholipase with at least 98% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
 108. 15. The composition of claim 11 wherein the targeting sequence comprises amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO:1.
 16. The composition of claim 14 wherein the targeting sequence comprises amino acids 20-35 of SEQ ID NO:1.
 17. The composition of claim 15 wherein the Bacillus firmus strain is Bacillus firmus strain 1-1582.
 18. The composition of claim 16 wherein the Bacillus firmus strain is Bacillus firmus strain 1-1582. 